Concerns Grow in Israel Over Trump’s Iran Deal

Supporters of US President Donald Trump are seeking to reassure the Israeli public amid growing concern over the interim agreement between Washington and Tehran.

Critics in Israel fear the memorandum could strengthen a country they view as their greatest adversary while also constraining Israel’s ability to respond to threats from Hezbollah.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee insisted that relations between the two countries remain strong.

“The United States and Israel have an unbreakable bond”, he said, while acknowledging an “enormous level of anxiety” over recent developments.

Concerns have also been fuelled by public disagreements between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as a more critical tone from some Republican officials, including Vice President JD Vance.

Israeli officials, however, say Netanyahu does not view Trump’s remarks as evidence of a fundamental shift in US policy toward Israel. They believe some of the comments are linked to domestic political considerations ahead of November’s congressional elections.

The debate has also revived questions about Israel’s strategic autonomy.

Several officials argue that Israel must prepare for a future in which the White House is occupied by a president less supportive of Israel than Trump.

(reuters, bak)