[89223] The Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran sparks a storm: Israel insists on continued control in Southern Lebanon

[89223] The Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran sparks a storm: Israel insists on continued control in Southern Lebanon

Tension surrounding the US-Iran memorandum of understanding

Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, the political and security establishment in Israel is reacting with a storm. While US Vice President J.D. Vance presents the agreement as a pragmatic step that will bring stability, the lifting of sanctions, and the dismantling of enriched uranium stockpiles, sources in Israel and the US warn that it is an "economic lifeline" for the Ayatollah regime that does not solve the nuclear or ballistic missile problem.

The Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs and Security warns that Iran is using the agreement to "buy time" and restore its capabilities, while commentators like Sagiv Steinberg call it a "tactical pause" only. Harsh criticism was also voiced on News from the Field on Telegram, where it was claimed that Prime Minister Netanyahu led Israel to an American "surrender agreement" due to incorrect strategic assessments.

At the same time, there is ambiguity in the Lebanese arena. While the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, claims that the memorandum requires a full withdrawal of the IDF, Prime Minister Netanyahu clarifies unequivocally: "We will restore security and prosperity to the northern settlements. This requires maintaining the security zone in Southern Lebanon." The IDF even published an official map of the security zone it controls, which includes a depth of about 10 km inside Lebanon, with no sign of withdrawal.

Additional critical voices come from Yoseph Haddad and other right-wing figures who warn that this is an existential danger that will allow Hezbollah to re-arm. Conversely, Tamir Morag calls for maintaining good relations with the US administration, and recalls Trump's consistent support for Israel over the last decade, while pushing aside criticism of the current agreement.