Ben Gvir Says Trump’s Iran Deal Does Not Bind Israel

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said Monday morning that the understandings reached between the United States and Iran do not obligate Israel. In a sharp post on X, he said Israel is “an independent and sovereign country” and “not subordinate to the United States.”

Ben Gvir added that “Trump’s agreement does not bind us,” arguing that Israel must protect its civilians and soldiers and is not party to an accord that does not safeguard its security. He said Israel must not compromise on anything less than “dismantling Hezbollah,” and must not remain silent “for a moment” in the face of fire toward Israel.

He also wrote that Israel loves the United States and is grateful to President Donald Trump, but “the State of Israel is not a banana republic.” The comments were the first from a cabinet minister on the deal reached overnight between Washington and Tehran.

Trump announced the agreement formally overnight, saying the American naval blockade on Iran would be lifted and that the Strait of Hormuz would open without tolls or tariffs. In an interview with The New York Times, he described the talks behind the deal and criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying Netanyahu is “a very tough guy” who should be grateful because if Iran had nuclear weapons, “Israel would not survive two hours.” Trump said he had “saved Israel from destruction.”