Tensions between the United States and Israel intensified this week following an interim agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the Iran war. Israeli media accused President Donald Trump of abandoning Israel to its greatest enemy, sparking widespread outrage and feelings of betrayal among the public and political circles. The memorandum of understanding, signed without Israel’s involvement, calls for an immediate halt to all hostilities, including Israel’s recent attacks in Lebanon, and for both sides to respect Lebanon’s territorial integrity.

Leading Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, owned by Trump donor Miriam Adelson, published a scathing editorial accusing Trump of surrendering to a “terrorist regime.” A Channel 12 poll showed only 11 percent of Israelis believe they have won the war, while 71 percent no longer trust the Trump administration to protect Israel’s interests. Far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir publicly condemned the deal, with Ben Gvir’s incendiary social media post later restricted for policy violations.

US officials expressed irritation at Israel’s reaction. At the G7 summit, Trump said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “too excited” over Lebanon, while Vice President JD Vance defended Trump as Israel’s only sympathetic ally amid global criticism of its Gaza actions.