Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing widespread criticism after a three-and-a-half-month war with Iran ended without Israel’s participation in a US-mediated interim agreement between Washington and Tehran. The deal, reached after months of conflict, left Iran’s government intact and strengthened its control over the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel’s influence appeared diminished. Israeli media described the Iran crisis as Netanyahu’s biggest failure since the October 7 attacks.

The agreement has drawn opposition from both centrist and far-right factions in Israel. Centrist leader Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s main rival in the upcoming election, called the outcome a reflection of a failed government. Far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich also denounced the deal. Analysts said Netanyahu’s long-standing push for confrontation with Iran has backfired, leaving him politically weakened ahead of elections.

Experts warned that Israel’s ongoing military actions in Lebanon could complicate relations with Washington and hinder future ceasefire efforts. Former diplomats and analysts said Netanyahu’s legacy now faces its toughest test, as he enters elections burdened by the Iran war, Lebanon tensions, and the fallout from the October 7 crisis.