Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid denounces emerging US-Iran peace deal
As U.S.-Iran talks advanced, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the reported emerging deal, calling it a “disaster” and saying Netanyahu has become “old” and “tired.” Lapid argued that the diplomatic handling has been worse than the initial decision to pursue a tough stance toward Iran.
Israel is not directly engaged in the negotiations, which are continuing in Qatar. Meanwhile, Israel escalated airstrikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, raising Iranian concerns that military action could derail any chance of a peaceful outcome-especially if Beirut is targeted. The potential agreement discussed includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping and establishing a 60-day ceasefire, with the prospect of talks to limit Iran’s nuclear program.
Netanyahu said he remains committed to preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities, emphasizing-after discussions with President Donald Trump-that any final deal must eliminate the nuclear danger by dismantling enrichment sites and removing enriched material. Trump later indicated Iran would either turn over its enriched uranium for U.S. destruction or have it destroyed under international supervision, and Netanyahu also underscored Israel’s need to defend itself against Hezbollah. Domestic criticism within Israel is increasing ahead of legislative elections in late October, with opposition parties aiming to challenge and possibly remove Netanyahu.
A major opponent of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the emerging peace deal between the United States and Iran as talks progressed Monday.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid reprimanded an “old” and “tired” Netanyahu over the deal’s reported terms, which he did not specify.
Recommended Stories
“The emerging agreement with Iran is a disaster,” Lapid posted on X. “I supported the war in Iran from the very first moment, but the diplomatic management of the entire affair couldn’t have been worse. Everything that shouldn’t have happened—happened.”
“The current situation is the result of an ongoing governmental failure,” he wrote. “Benjamin Netanyahu is a man blessed with talents, but he has grown old and he has grown tired and he is surrounded by the least suitable people for running a country.”
Israel is not taking an active role in the negotiations. As talks continued in Qatar on Monday, the Israeli military intensified its airstrike campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iranian officials are concerned that the military action may jeopardize a peaceful outcome if Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is targeted.
The terms of the potential agreement include reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping and creating a 60-day ceasefire that would open the door for discussions on restricting Tehran’s nuclear weapons program.
On Sunday, Netanyahu said he remains committed to impeding Iranian nuclear capabilities after speaking with President Donald Trump.
“President Trump and I agreed that any final agreement with Iran must eliminate the nuclear danger,” Netanyahu said. “That means dismantling Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites and removing its enriched nuclear material from its territory.”
Trump later announced that Iran would either hand over its stockpile of enriched uranium to the U.S. to be destroyed or have it done with international supervision.
Netanyahu added that Trump also understood that Israel needs to defend itself from Hezbollah in Lebanon. The statement preceded renewed Israeli airstrikes in the neighboring country to the north.
ISRAEL INTENSIFIES STRIKES ON HEZBOLLAH AS US-IRAN DIPLOMACY MAY FORCE LEBANON CEASEFIRE
Despite Trump’s support, Netanyahu is facing much scrutiny within his own country regarding the Iran war and the Gaza conflict before that. The prime minister and his party will likely face pressure as the Israeli legislative elections approach in late October.
Lapid’s Yesh Atid party is siding with fellow opposition leader Naftali Bennett’s eponymous group to challenge Netanyahu’s Likud party and unseat the prime minister himself by the end of the year.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
