Former Israeli Prime Minister Jair Lapid sharply criticized a ceasefire agreement with Iran, asserting Israel was excluded from critical security discussions.
Lapid Accuses Netanyahu of Diplomatic Failure
“Never in our history has there been such a diplomatic disaster,” wrote Jair Lapid, leader of the opposition party Yesh Atid, former Prime Minister, and former Finance Minister in Benjamin Netanyahu’s second government.
Lapid stated the Israeli military fulfilled all requests, and the public demonstrated “extraordinary resilience,” but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “failed diplomatically, strategically, and did not achieve any of the goals he set for himself.”
The opposition leader believes repairing the diplomatic and strategic damage caused by Netanyahu’s “arrogance, neglect, and lack of strategic planning” will take years.
Escalation and Ceasefire Negotiations
In late February, Israel, alongside the United States, initiated attacks on Iran, aiming to halt its nuclear program, weaken its military capabilities (including its missile program), and limit support for militant groups in the region.
Iran retaliated by attacking Israel and Gulf states, attempting to destabilize the region and raise the cost of the conflict for involved parties. Iran also imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and gas transport.
Trump’s Threats and Proposed Truce
During the conflict, conflicting reports emerged regarding peace negotiations. The world anxiously awaited a decision from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding threats made to Iran if it did not allow trade to resume, including potential war crimes such as targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
On Wednesday, Trump announced he agreed to a Pakistani proposal for a two-week ceasefire, contingent on Iran’s immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran stated it would allow “in coordination with its armed forces.”
US Assessment of Iranian Proposal
“We received a 10-point proposal from Iran and believe it constitutes a practical basis for negotiations. Almost all contentious issues from the past have been agreed upon between the United States and Iran, and the two-week period will allow for the finalization and conclusion of an Agreement,” President Trump stated.
