Israel Rejects US-Iran Peace Deal as Ben Gvir Defends Sovereign Decision-Making and Opposes Lebanon Withdrawal
Jerusalem: A fresh diplomatic rift has emerged following the announcement of a landmark peace agreement between the United States and Iran, with Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir openly rejecting the deal and asserting that Israel will make its own security decisions regardless of international pressure.
Ben Gvir stated that Israel is a sovereign nation and is under no obligation to follow policies or agreements negotiated by the United States if they do not align with Israel’s security interests.
His remarks came shortly after US President Donald Trump declared that a comprehensive agreement with Iran had been finalized, paving the way for a broader de-escalation of tensions in the region.
According to remarks reported by The Times of Israel, Ben Gvir emphasized that the agreement does not bind Israel in any way.
He argued that his country is an independent state with the authority to determine its own security and military policies.
The Israeli minister further maintained that Israel was not a party to the agreement and therefore could not be expected to accept its provisions automatically. In his view, the deal fails to provide adequate guarantees for Israel’s security and does not sufficiently address the threats the country faces.
Ben Gvir also strongly opposed any suggestion that Israeli forces should withdraw from territories they have captured during military operations in Lebanon.
He argued that areas secured by Israeli troops should not be relinquished as part of diplomatic arrangements negotiated by other nations.
Reiterating his position, he said that Israel must retain control over territories won by its armed forces and should not compromise on security-related gains achieved through military operations.
Trump Announces Completion of US-Iran Agreement
The Israeli minister’s criticism came after President Trump announced what he described as the successful completion of a peace agreement between Washington and Tehran.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on June 14, Trump declared that the deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran had been finalized and described it as a breakthrough for regional stability and international commerce.
Alongside the announcement, Trump authorized the immediate removal of the United States naval blockade and declared the Strait of Hormuz open to global maritime traffic without tolls or restrictions.
The strategic waterway, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes, has long been viewed as one of the most critical shipping routes in the global economy.
Celebrating the agreement, Trump called on commercial vessels around the world to resume normal operations and emphasized that oil exports and international trade could now proceed without disruption.
The US President described the development as a significant step toward restoring stability in the region and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies to global markets.
Formal Signing to Take Place in Geneva
According to officials, the United States and Iran are expected to formally sign the agreement in Geneva, Switzerland, following the conclusion of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit being held in nearby Évian-les-Bains, France.
The signing ceremony is anticipated to mark the official implementation of the agreement and could potentially open a new chapter in relations between Washington and Tehran after years of heightened tensions and diplomatic confrontations.
Observers say the deal could have far-reaching implications for regional security, energy markets, international shipping, and broader geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
Trump Criticises Israeli Strike on Beirut
Earlier, Trump also expressed concern over an Israeli military strike on the Lebanese capital, Beirut, warning that renewed hostilities could jeopardize the fragile diplomatic progress achieved through negotiations with Iran.
In a post on X, the US President stated that the attack should not have taken place, particularly at a time when a peace agreement appeared within reach.
While acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself against security threats, Trump argued that the incident that prompted the military response was relatively minor and had not resulted in casualties or significant damage.
According to Trump, the response risked creating unnecessary complications at a crucial moment in the diplomatic process.
He urged all parties involved to avoid actions that could inflame tensions or derail ongoing efforts aimed at securing lasting regional stability.
The President stressed that preserving momentum toward peace should remain the priority and cautioned against allowing isolated incidents to undermine broader diplomatic achievements.
Growing Differences Over Regional Strategy
Ben Gvir’s remarks underscore the continuing differences between sections of the Israeli leadership and the United States regarding how best to address regional security challenges.
While Washington has presented the agreement with Iran as a pathway toward reducing tensions and promoting stability, critics within Israel argue that the deal may not adequately address concerns related to national security and regional influence.
The contrasting reactions highlight the complex diplomatic landscape that is likely to shape discussions in the coming weeks, as regional powers, international allies, and global stakeholders assess the implications of the newly announced US-Iran agreement and its potential impact on the Middle East.
