According to Reuters and Bloomberg, the U.S. and Iran are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on June 19 in Switzerland. The agreement is anticipated to include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a follow-up negotiation period of 60 days.
Israel views this agreement as a shift to negotiations without addressing core issues. The initial goal of pressuring the Iranian regime is not reflected, and there are concerns that critical topics such as Iran’s nuclear program, missile development, and support for pro-Iran militant groups like Hezbollah may not be adequately addressed. Israeli officials have expressed worries that they have not been able to exert significant influence during the negotiation process, and there are fears that the timeline could extend to 90 days.
The Lebanon front is where U.S.-Israel tensions are most pronounced. Iran has demanded a halt to military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon. President Trump has reportedly expressed concerns that airstrikes in Beirut could disrupt negotiations with Iran. In contrast, Netanyahu has stated that Israeli forces will continue to be stationed in southern Lebanon and will maintain the freedom to respond to Hezbollah attacks.
This conflict is also adding to Netanyahu’s domestic political burdens. He has previously touted his close relationship with Trump as a diplomatic asset. However, criticism is growing that the U.S. has not adequately considered Israel’s security needs in the process of ending the war.
Bloomberg has analyzed that this agreement poses a political burden for Netanyahu ahead of the upcoming fall elections. A poll by the Israel Democracy Institute found that 61% of respondents believe he should not seek another term. Among Jewish Israelis, the percentage who believe Trump views their security as a core concern has dropped from 64% in March to 41% recently.
Netanyahu stated, "I am responsible for Israel's security interests," acknowledging that there may be differences with the U.S. However, given that the U.S. is Israel's most critical military and diplomatic ally, it is challenging for him to publicly clash with Trump. If issues regarding nuclear and missile concerns or the Lebanon front resurface following the U.S.-Iran agreement, Netanyahu is likely to face increased pressure on both his strategy against Iran and his reelection plans.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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