Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has informed U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel does not consider itself bound by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed between the United States and Iran. According to a report from CNN on June 18, 2026, which cited an unnamed Israeli official, Netanyahu maintains that Israel will continue its military operations despite the diplomatic agreement aimed at ending regional hostilities.
Why does Israel reject the U.S.-Iran agreement?
Israel’s refusal to recognize the agreement stems from a core disagreement regarding the terms of the “Memorandum of Islamabad,” which was signed digitally by President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on June 17, 2026. According to the Israeli official, Netanyahu explicitly told the U.S. administration that Israel is not a party to the deal and remains unconstrained by its provisions, including those requiring a permanent end to warfare on all fronts, such as in Lebanon.
The Memorandum of Islamabad includes a 60-day ceasefire, the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Iran, and a massive US$ 300 billion reconstruction plan for the region.
How is the conflict continuing on the ground?
Despite the implementation of the MoU, military activity has not ceased. On June 18, 2026, an Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle in southern Lebanon, resulting in at least one death and one injury, as reported by Anadolu Agency. This incident underscores the disconnect between the U.S.-brokered diplomatic framework and the operational reality on the ground, where Israel continues to target Hezbollah, a group supported by Iran.
What is the goal of the 60-day negotiation window?
The current 60-day period is intended for intensive negotiations to address long-term issues, specifically Iran’s nuclear program and the complete removal of U.S. economic sanctions. However, the Israeli official stated that Netanyahu is actively lobbying U.S. senators and right-wing media figures to influence these negotiations. Netanyahu reportedly believes that a final, comprehensive deal between Washington and Tehran is unlikely because he views Iran as unwilling to accept meaningful restrictions on its nuclear capabilities.
Comparison: The U.S.-Iran MoU vs. Israeli Security Objectives
| Feature | U.S.-Iran MoU Terms | Israeli Stance |
|---|---|---|
| Conflict Status | Permanent end to war | Not bound; operations continue |
| Sanctions | Scheduled for lifting | Opposes concessions to Iran |
Monitor the 60-day window ending in mid-August 2026. If no “final deal” is reached, expect increased volatility in oil markets, given the agreement’s provisions regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Israel a signatory to the Memorandum of Islamabad? No, Israel is not a signatory and has officially stated it is not bound by the agreement.
- What does the agreement cover? It includes a 60-day ceasefire, the lifting of U.S. sanctions, and plans for a US$ 300 billion regional reconstruction effort.
- Why does Netanyahu doubt a final deal? According to reports, he believes Iran will not agree to the necessary restrictions on its nuclear program.
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