Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid called the emerging U.S.-Iran deal a disaster Monday, arguing it leaves Tehran’s ballistic missile program untouched and may produce nuclear terms weaker than the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Lapid’s criticism adds to pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government as Washington pursues diplomacy.
Lapid said excluding missiles from the framework ignores a primary threat to Israeli cities and regional bases. He also warned that limited-duration restrictions on enrichment could expire without lasting constraints.
Netanyahu has previously demanded zero enrichment capacity and degradation of Iran’s missile arsenal. U.S. officials have prioritized a ceasefire and Hormuz reopening while treating missiles as a separate track.
CNN reported that Israeli security officials are reviewing draft texts with American counterparts. Public opinion in Israel remains sharply divided over whether diplomatic relief reduces or postpones military risk.
Lapid’s Yesh Atid party plans parliamentary questions on whether Israel was consulted on draft language. Netanyahu’s office declined immediate comment but has previously insisted on zero enrichment. U.S. lawmakers from both parties requested classified briefings on missile exclusions.
Coalition partners in Israel’s government split over whether to publicly oppose the emerging framework. U.S. senators from both parties asked whether missile limits can be added in a second negotiation phase.
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Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/25/world/live-news/iran-war-us-peace-deal