Ehud Barak Blames Netanyahu for Emerging U.S.-Iran Deal

Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak sharply criticized the expected deal between the United States and Iran on Sunday morning, saying Israel will pay the price for Benjamin Netanyahu’s conduct. Speaking on Kan Reshet Bet, Barak said, “It is very bad,” adding that Israel is paying for “Netanyahu’s arrogance and blindness” and for the “manipulations he tried to do on Trump.”

Barak argued that the diplomatic and military campaign against Iran is ending with Tehran in a stronger position and Israel weaker. “Iran came out strengthened, Israel came out weakened,” he said. He said the issue is not only that the American agreement does not serve Israel’s interests, but that it represents a direct failure of the strategy Netanyahu pursued מול President Donald Trump and Iran. “This is Netanyahu’s strategic responsibility,” Barak said. “He failed.”

His comments come amid growing criticism in Israel of the emerging agreement, which reports say is expected to include a long ceasefire, sanctions relief, and another round of talks on Iran’s nuclear program. Critics say that despite Israel’s operational gains during the campaign, Tehran avoided defeat, preserved its rule, and reached the negotiating table with significant leverage. Supporters of the deal argue it could halt the escalation and, at least for now, reduce the chance of a wider regional war.