Israeli ministers and opposition figures criticised the US-Iran deal on Monday, saying it did not protect Israel’s security or require Hezbollah’s dismantling.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said Israel was not bound by the agreement because it was not a party to it. He said Israel should not withdraw from the territory its soldiers had captured.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the agreement “bad for Israel.” He said Israel should continue its campaign against Iran and push Hezbollah farther from Israel’s northern border.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces would remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza for an unlimited period. He said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backed that policy.
Katz also warned Iran against attacking Israel over its campaign in Lebanon. He said Israel would respond with “full force” if Tehran launched an attack.
Opposition leaders also criticised the agreement. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called it a “dangerous turn” for Israel’s security.
Yair Golan, head of the Democratic Party, said the deal erased Israeli military gains. He accused Netanyahu of standing aside while Washington moved ahead with the agreement.
Read: US-Iran Agreement Set for Friday Signing in Switzerland
The US-Iran deal aims to end the Middle East war, including fighting in Lebanon. The framework followed months of conflict and separate mediation efforts involving Pakistan.
