Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right ministers, have sharply criticized the US-Iranian agreement. Smotrich, in an X post, described the deal as "bad for Israel," insisting his country must independently continue efforts to
overthrow the Iranian regime and prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons. He also called for continued "operations" in Lebanon to keep Hezbollah away from Israel's borders. Ben Gvir, for his part, stated that "Trump's agreement does not obligate Israel," asserting his
nation "is not subordinate to the United States, but a sovereign, independent state." He added: "We love and appreciate the United States and Trump; however, Israel is not a banana republic." Ben Gvir demanded the Israeli government accept nothing less
than "the dismantling of Hezbollah and no withdrawal from seized territories" in Lebanon. He reiterated calls to target Beirut's southern suburb in response to any rockets or drones launched towards northern Israeli settlements. These stances follow earlier statements by Defense Minister
Yisrael Katz, who confirmed the Israeli army would not withdraw indefinitely from "security zones" in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. Katz clarified Israel would continue operations to counter "Hezbollah threats," and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had informed former US President Donald
Trump of this decision. Notably, Trump yesterday directed harsh criticism at Israel following a raid targeting Beirut's southern suburb. Informed sources indicated the US President severely reprimanded Netanyahu, expressing anger over the bombing of the Lebanese capital at a sensitive time
preceding the Iran deal announcement. Trump also stressed on "Truth Social" the necessity of refraining from further strikes on any area in Lebanon. Tehran had repeatedly emphasized during talks with the US the need to cease hostilities on all fronts,
including Lebanon, where its ally Hezbollah has sustained heavy blows since early March.
