‘Destruction is the goal’: Israel steers between the US, Iran, and Lebanon

Key Points:

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautiously refrained from openly opposing the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, but widespread Israeli political and military responses reveal anger and concern over the deal.
• The US-Iran agreement includes a $300 billion reconstruction plan for Iran and calls for the immediate cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, prompting Israel to intensify attacks in Lebanon and escalating tensions with Hezbollah.
• Despite Israeli military actions and rhetoric from far-right Israeli ministers, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was reportedly reached, likely due to US pressure aimed at preserving the US-Iran deal.
• Polls indicate deep Israeli disappointment with the US-Iran agreement, with many Israelis feeling that Netanyahu’s strategy relying on Trump has failed, while US Vice President JD Vance urged Israeli officials to avoid antagonizing their key American ally.
• Analysts suggest Netanyahu is balancing the need to maintain US support with domestic political pressures to appear defiant, using the Iran threat to bolster his position ahead of elections despite internal divisions within his government.