New York, June 18: Israel is expressing significant discontent over the recent agreement between the United States and Iran. Previously, Israel had stated that it is not bound by any deals made by the US. On Thursday, a former Israeli ambassador conveyed to American media that the 14-point agreement signed by President Donald Trump has worsened relations between the US and Israel.
Former Israeli ambassador Alan Pincas told CNN, “I do not see a single point among those 14 that improves the situation for the US, Israel, or the entire region compared to February 28, when the attacks began.”
Pincas noted that prior to the attacks, Iran was isolated under sanctions, halting its oil exports and damaging its economy. However, under the new agreement, Iran will be allowed to export oil, access restricted assets, and receive $300 billion in manufacturing funding, significantly strengthening its position.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the US-Iran agreement. Speaking to the media in Brussels before a meeting of NATO defense ministers, he stated, “I truly welcome this deal. I believe President Trump has made a good agreement. This agreement will reduce Iran’s nuclear capabilities and restore freedom of navigation.”
Earlier, on June 15, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel would not withdraw from southern Lebanon following the announcement of a ceasefire between the US and Iran, which includes ending the fight against Hezbollah.
Katz emphasized, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I are following a clear policy under which the IDF will remain in the security zones of Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely, to protect the border and Israeli communities from jihadist elements.”
He added that local residents would be removed from the security zones, and all terrorist infrastructures, including homes in contact-line villages, would be eliminated as they served as hiding places for terrorists.
The Israeli Defense Minister stated that maintaining control over the security zone is one of the IDF’s greatest successes in warfare. Therefore, they oppose any withdrawal from Lebanon, regardless of current or future pressures.
He concluded, “Prime Minister Netanyahu has made these points clear to President Trump and other senior US officials. I have also clarified this to US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The IDF supports maintaining control over the security zone in Lebanon. We will not compromise on Israel’s security interests and the safety of our citizens. We will not withdraw from the security zone.”
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