US–Iran Deal Seen as Major Setback for Israel, Analysts
Israeli political commentator Gideon Levy has said that the reported US–Iran agreement is being interpreted inside Israel as a major political setback for both Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to Levy, Iran had long been treated by Netanyahu as a central strategic focus—what he described as Netanyahu’s “life project.” However, with the US and Iran now moving forward with a deal, Israel has reportedly been left outside the negotiations entirely, with no meaningful role in shaping the outcome. Levy argues that this exclusion has pushed Israel toward indirect responses rather than diplomatic influence, including attempts at disruption or sabotage.
He also pointed to recent Israeli actions, describing them as “childish” attacks carried out in Beirut on Sunday, which he framed as ineffective demonstrations of force rather than strategic gains. In his view, these developments reflect a broader shift in which Israel is losing leverage in the regional “game,” particularly as international agreements progress without its participation.
Levy further suggested that it remains uncertain whether former US President Donald Trump—or any US leadership—will genuinely restrain Israeli actions going forward. He argued that Netanyahu may still try to undermine any ceasefire arrangement if it does not align with Israel’s key security and political objectives.
He described the situation as highly unstable, saying the agreement is “very, very fragile.” One of the most complicated challenges, he noted, is Lebanon. He claimed that Iran has effectively linked the Lebanese situation with the broader US–Iran deal, creating a condition where regional stability depends on multiple interconnected conflicts.
Levy concluded that he sees little chance of a full ceasefire working under current conditions, arguing that Israel’s continued military presence in Lebanon remains a major obstacle. As long as troops remain deployed, he suggested, resistance to that presence would continue, preventing what he called a “total ceasefire.”
Source: AlJazeera