The Israeli government was not provided the memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at ending the war with Iran, as reported by a government official to NBC News on Wednesday. This development highlights rising tensions between the United States and Israel. Despite President Donald Trump’s claim of sharing the MOU with Israel, officials assert they have yet to receive it. The official declined to comment on whether Israeli diplomats had requested the document and were denied access.
The exclusion of Israel from the negotiations surrounding the MOU has created significant challenges for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. With critical elections looming in October, Netanyahu’s predicament has been exacerbated by Trump’s criticisms. Trump’s recent comments at the G7 summit intensified the situation, as he claimed, “Without me, there would be no Israel,” and denounced Netanyahu’s actions in Lebanon.
The conflict with Iran, initiated alongside the U.S. in late February, has subjected Israeli citizens to a series of counterattacks, including missile and drone strikes. This situation has led to domestic criticism, with 57.5% of Israelis expressing doubts about the conflict’s resolution aligning with national security interests, according to a survey by the Israeli Democracy Institute.
Netanyahu’s political opponents have voiced their disapproval. Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak criticized Netanyahu’s handling of relations with Trump and Iran, stating that Israel emerged weaker due to these strategies. Yair Lapid, a potential rival in the upcoming elections, labeled the deal framework a significant failure in Israel’s foreign and security policy, placing the responsibility squarely on Netanyahu.
In a public address, Netanyahu defended the necessity of the war with Iran. He emphasized the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions. However, he admitted he had not seen the draft agreement. Netanyahu remains steadfast in his belief that he is advocating for Israel’s security interests, despite growing criticism from all sides.
As the U.S. and Iran prepare to sign the draft agreement on Friday, uncertainty looms over Israel’s future role in related discussions. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi has accused Israel of violating the MOU due to its continued military actions in Lebanon. Despite a relatively calm northern border since the MOU announcement, skirmishes between Israel and Hezbollah persist in southern regions.