After reaching a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, Israel, as one of the initiators of the war, is filled with a sense of loss due to being "betrayed" by the United States.
According to a report by The Guardian in June 20th, Israelis are worried that Iran may return with stronger measures, and they are also angry towards US President Donald Trump.
In a small tavern in Rihovot, Israel, people have an astonishingly consistent view regarding the US-Iran Understanding Memorandum. They all believe that this agreement is very detrimental to Israel.
We were betrayed by Donald Trump's presidency. 55-year-old Avi Perez said.
Reports say that these Israelis believe their country is in an unprecedented danger. “The day before, we were still staying in air-raid shelters with our children... The next day, everything seemed to be back to normal. But in reality, no problems have been solved,” said 35-year-old Shaham Nowick.
Many Israelis believe that the agreement reached between the United States and Iran is a betrayal of Israel. Commentators have condemned the compromise and humiliation involved in this agreement, saying that it is even worse than what Israel had feared earlier.
Reports indicate that there is widespread concern that Iran could return to a stronger state than before the conflict. Moreover, demands for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon would also limit Israel’s ability to strike Hezbollah, which is seen as a major threat to Israel’s northern region.
"Israeli people believe the Lebanon War was a just war. Everyone living in Israel understands that Iran and the Party of God are one and the same." Said Udi Tenne, Israeli political strategy advisor.
In Metulla, located on the border with Lebanon in the north, the local Israeli people are very excited. "Everyone was very satisfied with the war against Iran, but this agreement from the United States is really bad for Israel... It's a huge mistake," said restaurant owner Daniel Dorfmann.
On local time April 25th, 2026, citizens in Tel Aviv, Israel staged a protest against Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government. IC Photo
Some people talk about Israel's failure to achieve its war objectives—changing the regime in Iran, destroying Iran's nuclear program, and eliminating its ballistic missiles—and consider this a "complete defeat."
What is even more unacceptable to them is that, after starting the war alongside the United States, Israel was marginalized by Washington at the end of the conflict. During the G7 summit earlier this week, Trump also labeled Israel as a “very small partner”.
As the Prime Minister of Israel, Netanyahu wasn’t invited to the White House to offer advice to Trump. Instead, he received scathing criticism from Trump due to Israel’s ongoing attacks in Lebanon.
“‘Shock’ and ‘sorrow’ are words that can no longer describe the feelings of some powerful figures in Israel. Now, a large amount of salt is being spread on their wounds.” wrote Nadav Eyal, a columnist for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
According to reports, 76-year-old Netanyahu, who has been tried for corruption, now faces a difficult challenge: how to convince voters that only he can ensure the safety of Israelis.
Israeli Democracy Institute's polling expert Tamar Hermann said: “Netanyahu’s clear definition of goals manifested a sense of self-importance. When you are unable to achieve those goals, you will be seen as unable to uphold your promises.”
Rehovot is only about 20 kilometers away from Tel Aviv. Poll survey experts have long considered it a typical example of "centrist Israeli" communities. There are hardly any Israeli citizens of Palestinian descent in this area, making it a key town for Jewish voters.
Israel is expected to hold parliamentary elections in October this year. “The upcoming elections will be a major turning point,” said a senior official from an Israeli opposition party last week. “How important these elections are for the country cannot be overstated.”
The Guardian notes that since the outbreak of a new round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict on October 7, 2023, Israel's ongoing bloody war in Gaza has resulted in the death of over 73,000 people, and has isolated Israel from the international community. Although Israel currently controls 70% of Gaza, Hamas still rules over most of the local population of 2.3 million. Meanwhile, Israel's continuous attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon have not achieved decisive results.
Nevertheless, there are still many Israelis who remain loyal to Netanyahu. A poll last week showed that among voters who have not yet decided whom to support, when asked who could best confront Iran, 43% voted for Netanyahu and his allies.
This sentiment suggests that the upcoming elections could be extremely intense. Analysts say that as a veteran politician in such battles, Netanyahu still has a chance of defeating all his opponents. “I think he is in trouble, but I’m not sure what other tricks he has up his sleeve. He’s like Harry Houdini in politics,” said Herrman.
Thirty-four-year-old Lee Novick is a doctor at the Lehvorot Hospital. In her view, the divisions among Israelis on numerous issues are larger than they have ever been.
“Netanyahu has been trying to divide us, and his tactics have worked. This situation has persisted for several years. At the same time, no one cares about basic things like housing prices or inflation,” said Novick.
She said, “When Iran claims it wants to destroy Israel, I believe they truly mean to do so. I have no doubt about that. But this government (Israel) is actually using this war to force the passage of laws that will lead to division within the country. They are doing all this just to continue holding power.”
Israeli opposition party officials also said that Jewish Israelis are more divided than ever. "People in Israel speak different languages from each other. Consensus no longer exists," said one official.
Fifty-five-year-old Dahlia Perez says that Meixi reached an agreement with her to make it clear "peace will never come."
"I once hoped that war would end, but I believe we are destined to survive through sword and no other," Perses said, "We now understand that we have no friends, and none can be trusted."
