‘It’s a big mistake’: Israelis feel betrayed and angry after Iran peace deal

It’s a Big Mistake: Israelis Feel Betrayed and Angry After Iran Peace Deal with Donald Trump

It s a big mistake - Amid the chaos of recent military campaigns, a sense of unease has settled over Israeli society. The Iran-US peace deal, signed days earlier, has sparked widespread discontent, with many citizens questioning the wisdom of the agreement. In Rehovot, a town just 12 miles from Tel Aviv, the mood in the Tree brasserie was palpable. Patrons gathered to discuss the implications of the deal, sharing a common belief that it had weakened Israel’s strategic position. “We were betrayed by President Trump,” said Avi Perez, a 55-year-old local, as he sipped his coffee. “It’s a big mistake,” echoed Daniel Dorfmann, a restaurateur in Metulla, a northern town bordering Lebanon. Both men expressed frustration, arguing that the agreement had left Israel vulnerable in its ongoing conflict with Iran-linked Hezbollah.

Rehovot’s Growing Discontent

Rehovot, often cited by pollsters as the archetype of “middle Israel,” has become a microcosm of the nation’s turmoil. The town’s streets buzzed with a mix of cultures and ideologies, from the vibrant music of rave culture to the traditional gatherings of Orthodox Jews. Yet, despite this diversity, a shared sentiment emerged: anger at the US-led agreement. “One day we were in bomb shelters with our children, and the next, everything was supposed to be normal,” remarked Shaham Nowick, a 35-year-old diner, as he perused the menu. “But nothing has been resolved.” His words reflected a growing fear that Israel would have to shoulder the burden of regional threats alone, with the US now prioritizing diplomacy over military action.

The deal’s impact was felt acutely in the context of recent hostilities. Israeli forces had launched airstrikes in Lebanon, killing 18 and injuring 33, following Hezbollah’s attack on a tank that claimed four Israeli soldiers, including a senior officer. For many Israelis, the agreement seemed to signal a shift in priorities, undermining the country’s security. “The war in Lebanon is a just war,” asserted Udi Tenne, a political strategist and international campaign manager. “Everyone understands that Iran and Hezbollah are one and the same.” His statement underscored the belief that the peace deal had failed to address the root cause of the conflict.

The Fallout of the Agreement

Across the country, the agreement’s consequences were being scrutinized. In Metulla, where the border with Lebanon is mere meters away, residents voiced their discontent. “Everyone was thrilled with the war [against Iran] but the US agreement is really not good for Israel,” said Dorfmann, a local business owner. His sentiment echoed that of others who saw the deal as an abject failure. “Israel couldn’t achieve its war aims of regime change, destroying Iran’s nuclear programme, or eliminating its ballistic missiles,” noted one critic. The agreement, they argued, had left the nation exposed, with Hezbollah regrouping and Iran regaining strength.

Nadav Eyal, a columnist for Yedioth Ahronoth, captured the emotional weight of the situation. “The words ‘shock’ and ‘grief’ fail to describe the feeling in certain parts of the establishment,” he wrote. “A lot of salt is being poured into their wounds now.” This sentiment was not limited to the media; it permeated everyday conversations. Many felt that the US had shifted its support from Israel to Iran, treating the latter as a strategic partner rather than an adversary.

Netanyahu’s Strained Leadership

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s 76-year-old prime minister, now faces a significant challenge in maintaining public confidence. His leadership, once a symbol of strength, has been questioned after the failures of the October 2023 Hamas attack, which killed 1,200 people and abducted 250. The deal with Iran, critics argue, has further weakened his position, with the international community dismissing Israel as “a small power.” Instead of being invited to the White House to guide policy, Netanyahu has received expletive-laden criticism over civilian casualties in Lebanon, where over 3,900 people have died.

The war in Gaza, which has resulted in more than 73,000 civilian deaths, has also contributed to Israel’s international isolation. While the country controls 70% of the territory, Hamas still governs the majority of the 2.3 million population. Successive offensives in Lebanon against Hezbollah have proven inconclusive, leaving Israelis to wonder whether the agreement would hold Iran back or enable it to emerge stronger.

Despite the backlash, some remain loyal to Netanyahu. “The coming election will be a major turning point,” said a senior official from an opposition party last week. “It’s hard to exaggerate how important this will be for the country.” For these supporters, Netanyahu’s vision of a secure Israel is still worth the risk. However, the agreement has shaken faith in his leadership, even among those who previously backed him. “Netanyahu showed a kind of hubris in defining his aims so clearly,” remarked Prof Tamar Hermann, a public opinion expert at the Israel Democracy Institute. “When you fail to achieve them, you are seen as incapable of fulfilling your promises.”

The situation in Rehovot highlights the broader implications of the deal. As a town with few Palestinian citizens, it serves as a bellwether for Jewish voters, who make up three-quarters of the electorate. The October national polls are expected to reflect this growing divide, with Netanyahu’s coalition possibly facing a significant challenge. “The deal has left Israelis feeling abandoned,” said a local observer. “But the election will decide whether we can rebuild trust or move toward a new direction.”

As the nation prepares for the polls, the question remains: will the agreement with Iran mark a turning point or a continuation of a path that has left Israel vulnerable? The answer may lie in the hands of voters who now weigh the cost of the peace deal against the risks of continued conflict. For now, the mood in Rehovot—and across Israel—remains one of frustration, uncertainty, and a renewed sense of urgency.