Reuters reported that Israeli officials avoid criticizing Trump publicly but express anger in closed-door talks about the upcoming deal. One senior Israeli official described the agreement as “terrible for Israel,” noting that all levels of Israeli leadership, from Netanyahu to the Chief of Staff, view it negatively.
Netanyahu had hoped joint warfare alongside Trump would topple Iran’s regime and reshape regional power balances. Instead, Trump now seeks to end the confrontation, even at the expense of Israel’s goals, particularly continued military pressure in Lebanon.

Reports said disputes peaked over Israeli operations against Hezbollah. Trump, in an angry phone call earlier this month, asked Netanyahu not to attack Beirut while Washington pursued talks with Tehran. Although the strike was canceled that day, Israel later carried out an air raid in Beirut’s southern suburbs, prompting rare public criticism from Trump.
The proposed U.S.-Iran deal includes a 60-day ceasefire, extendable to 90 days, which Israel sees as a constraint on its military capabilities. It also envisions reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, while excluding issues Israel considers vital, such as Iran’s missile program and support for armed groups.
To reassure Israelis, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said the agreement “does not bind Israel,” affirming that the army will continue deployments in isolation zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza “indefinitely.”

Reuters cited polls showing declining Israeli trust in Trump: Jewish Israelis who believe he prioritizes Israel’s security dropped from 64% in March to 41% now.
Some Israeli officials argue Trump believes the Iran deal also serves Israel’s interests, suggesting the public tension with Netanyahu may be part of a political strategy to pass the agreement without direct confrontation with Israel.
This tension comes at a sensitive regional moment, with ongoing war in Gaza, escalation on the Lebanese border, and international efforts to contain the U.S.-Iran confrontation.