Ceasefire with Iran is a ‘political disaster’ for ‘Israel’: Lapid

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the announcement of a ceasefire in the war with Iran, describing the outcome as a “political disaster” and accusing the government of failing to achieve its stated objectives.

Lapid said that “there has been no political disaster like this in our entire history,” stressing that “Israel was not even at the table when decisions were made regarding the core of our national security.”

He added that while “the military carried out everything that was asked of it,” the Israeli prime minister “failed politically, strategically and did not meet any of the goals he himself set.”

According to Lapid, the consequences of the government’s handling of the war would be long-lasting, warning that “it will take us years to repair the political and strategic damage that Netanyahu has caused.”

Israeli media: Iran achieved huge victory

Israeli media outlets echoed sharp criticism of the ceasefire, acknowledging significant gains by Iran and questioning the role of the United States in shaping the outcome.

Reports described the development as “not just an Iranian achievement but a huge victory,” asserting that Tehran had effectively dictated terms to the administration of US President Donald Trump. The ceasefire, announced for a two-week period, is seen as a prelude to negotiations that could formalize a broader agreement.

In commentary reflecting growing discontent, Israeli analysts said the agreement raised concerns about the country’s strategic position, particularly amid indications that broader regional actors could be included in the arrangement.

A military correspondent for Israeli i24 TV mocked the timing of the ceasefire announcement, calling for clearer coordination in the future, while Dr. Shay Har-Zvi, a researcher at the Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS), stated that the inclusion of Lebanon in the agreement would constitute a significant achievement for Iran.

It is noteworthy that Netanyahu announced unilaterally violated the ceaesfire mere hours after it was reached, announcing this morning that Lebanon would not be included, as the IOF continued attacks on South Lebanon.

Criticism of Trump and ceasefire terms

Israeli broadcaster Channel 14 criticized President Trump’s portrayal of the ceasefire, questioning “in what world he lives” while promoting a “surrender agreement”. The outlet added that the more concerning aspect was the absence of official Israeli rejection of the deal.

Other Israeli media described Trump as having “failed to withstand pressure”, calling him “a weak man”, and noted that the ceasefire announcement coincided with Iranian missile launches toward Israeli-occupied territory, which they said underscored the imbalance of the agreement.

Iran declares victory after 40-day confrontation

Earlier, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council announced that the country, supported by the Resistance front across Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and occupied Palestine, had achieved a “great victory” during the 40-day US-Israeli aggression.

The council said US and Israeli forces had failed to meet their military objectives or impose control over Iran, emphasizing that the strikes carried out during the conflict would remain a lasting mark in history.

Meanwhile, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform a two-week suspension of military operations against Iran, conditional on Tehran agreeing to the “full, immediate, and secure” reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy transit route.

Read more: Iran outlines ceasefire plan, includes Hormuz limits, sanction relief