Netanyahu Tells Trump Israel Will Not Abide by US-Iran Agreement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has informed U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel does not consider itself bound by the Memorandum of Islamabad, a 14-point peace agreement between the United States and Iran signed on June 17, 2026. Despite the agreement’s mandate to end hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon, Israel continues military operations, citing ongoing conflicts with the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.

The Diplomatic Stance of Israel

According to an unnamed Israeli official speaking to CNN on June 18, 2026, the Prime Minister’s office maintains that Israel remains outside the scope of the U.S.-Iran deal. This stance explicitly rejects the provisions of the memorandum, which was mediated by Pakistan and signed digitally by President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Netanyahu has reportedly signaled to U.S. leadership that he intends to challenge the agreement’s implementation. The Israeli official noted that the Prime Minister is actively leveraging relationships with U.S. Senators and right-wing media figures to exert pressure on the Trump administration, aiming to influence the upcoming 60-day negotiation window established by the pact.

Did You Know? The Memorandum of Islamabad, signed on June 17, 2026, includes a comprehensive plan for regional reconstruction valued at US$ 300 billion and mandates the restoration of commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Operational Impact in Lebanon

Military activity in the region has persisted despite the formal announcement of the peace deal on June 14. On June 18, an Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle in southern Lebanon, resulting in at least one death and one critical injury. The Israeli government continues to frame these actions as necessary measures against Hezbollah, maintaining its operational autonomy regardless of the newly signed U.S.-Iran memorandum.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the tension between the Memorandum of Islamabad and Israel’s independent military strategy creates a significant diplomatic hurdle. The 60-day negotiation period serves as a critical stress test for the viability of the U.S.-Iran deal, as the success of the agreement likely hinges on whether the U.S. can reconcile its regional security commitments with its new diplomatic framework with Tehran.

Potential Scenarios for the 60-Day Window

The coming weeks are expected to be marked by intense diplomatic maneuvering. Analysts suggest that the U.S.-Iran agreement faces a high barrier to success, as the Israeli government has expressed skepticism that Tehran will ultimately agree to substantive limitations on its nuclear program. A possible next step involves the administration attempting to balance its commitments to the memorandum against the sustained military operations conducted by its regional allies.

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If the U.S. is unable to secure a final, comprehensive deal following the initial 60-day ceasefire, the stability of the reconstruction plans and the lifting of sanctions may be called into question. The reliance on the current memorandum as a foundation for future negotiations leaves the process vulnerable to ongoing regional escalations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Memorandum of Islamabad?
It is a 14-point peace agreement mediated by Pakistan and signed by President Trump and President Pezeshkian on June 17, 2026, designed to end the war between the U.S. and Iran, lift sanctions, and restore commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

Does the agreement include Israel?
According to an Israeli official, Prime Minister Netanyahu has told President Trump that Israel is not bound by the agreement and does not consider its military operations in Lebanon to be restricted by the deal.

What happens during the next 60 days?
The parties are expected to engage in a 60-day period of negotiations to discuss outstanding issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and the permanent lifting of U.S. sanctions, in hopes of reaching a final agreement.

How will the ongoing military operations in Lebanon affect the long-term viability of the Memorandum of Islamabad?