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“Israel is not subordinate to the United States. We are an independent and sovereign state,” Ben Gvir said.
By United with Israel Staff
Israeli political leaders from across the coalition and opposition sharply criticized the emerging U.S.-Iran agreement on Monday, warning that Israel cannot allow diplomatic understandings reached between Washington and Tehran to undermine its security interests in Lebanon or elsewhere in the region.
Leading the pushback was Defense Minister Israel Katz, who declared that Israel will not withdraw from security zones established by the IDF in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, regardless of international pressure.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I are leading a clear policy that the IDF will remain in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza — without any time limit,” Katz said.
Katz emphasized that Israel opposes any withdrawal from southern Lebanon despite “existing pressures and those that may yet come,” adding that Netanyahu had already conveyed that position directly to President Donald Trump and other senior American officials.
He also warned that Israel would respond forcefully if Iran attacks in response to developments in Lebanon.
“If Iran attacks Israel because of developments in Lebanon, we will strike back with full force and clearly demonstrate the vast disparity in capabilities between us.”
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir also rejected any suggestion that Israel is bound by the agreement.
“Trump’s agreement does not obligate us,” Ben Gvir said. “Israel is committed to defending its citizens and soldiers. Israel is not subordinate to the United States. We are an independent and sovereign state.”
Ben Gvir argued that Israel cannot accept anything short of Hezbollah’s dismantlement and warned against any withdrawal from territory captured during the fighting in Lebanon.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich likewise criticized the emerging arrangement, calling it “bad for Israel and the free world as a whole.”
“There were many achievements in weakening Iran, and they have not disappeared,” Smotrich wrote. “We must continue weakening the regime ourselves and through creative means and ensure that Iran never again becomes a regional threat.”
Smotrich also appeared to criticize those within Israel who support accommodating international pressure, saying anyone who believes the government should not stand firm should state so openly.
Criticism of the agreement was not limited to the governing coalition.
National Unity chairman Benny Gantz warned that any understandings reached with Iran must not come at the expense of Israel’s security interests.
“The agreement with Iran appears to be a strategic failure that could force Israel into a political, military, and legal struggle in the years ahead,” Gantz wrote. “Only a broad Zionist government can lead us through this.”
The unusually broad criticism reflects growing concern across Israel’s political spectrum as details of the agreement continue to emerge, particularly reports suggesting that understandings regarding Lebanon may be included as part of the broader diplomatic package.
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