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Geopolitics · Iran Deal · Netanyahu · Trump
President Donald Trump's relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply deteriorated following the surprise signing of the Islamabad MoU, a ceasefire with Iran, which Israeli officials were not consulted on and view as a significant strategic setback, leaving Israel feeling isolated and weakened.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Israeli officials expected military strikes, not a peace deal, and were surprised by the Thursday announcement. Trump expressed frustration with Netanyahu, reportedly telling advisors that "no one can handle Netanyahu; he wants to bomb everyone," and directly questioned Netanyahu's actions in Lebanon, urging him to "Stop blowing up buildings." Contrary to a US official's claim of frequent briefings, previous reports indicated US officials actively concealed discussions from Israeli intelligence, even rejecting Netanyahu's request for the MoU draft.
Netanyahu, who had promised "total victory" over Iran, now faces severe domestic criticism from former Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Yair Lapid, who label the deal a "shocking failure" and attribute strategic responsibility to Netanyahu. Netanyahu defended Israel's actions in Lebanon, stating, "We saved the state of Israel from annihilation," despite acknowledging he had not reviewed the final agreement.
