Lapid Blames Netanyahu for Diplomatic Failure Over Iran Deal

Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid spoke on Monday at the opening of the Yesh Atid faction meeting and addressed the expected near-term agreement between Iran and the United States. He joined critics of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who say the deal is happening because of Netanyahu’s weakness.

Lapid said Netanyahu “lost the war” and “did not deliver the goods,” adding that “he collapsed at the moment of truth.” He called it “the most complete failure” of Netanyahu’s diplomatic performance on the Iran issue.

He argued that if, during a war, Netanyahu distracts the U.S. president with matters related to his own pardon, he should not be surprised if Washington turns against him when the two sides’ interests diverge. Lapid also tied his criticism to the October 7 attack and a later date, saying that on October 7 Israelis learned Netanyahu could no longer protect the country’s citizens, and on June 15, 2026, they learned he could no longer conduct a diplomatic campaign.