Israel's main opposition leader Yair Lapid branded the recent US-Iran ceasefire a "political disaster" on April 7, 2026, blasting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for sidelining the country from critical national security decisions. In a sharp X post, Lapid declared, "There has never been a political disaster like this in our entire history. Israel was not even close to the table," accusing Netanyahu of strategic failure despite military successes and public resilience during five weeks of conflict.

The two-week truce, announced hours before President Donald Trump's deadline to devastate Iran, followed intense US-led Operation Epic Fury strikes. Netanyahu's office portrayed it as a coordinated success enabling Israel to pursue remaining goals against Tehran, yet opposition figures like Avigdor Liberman warned it grants the "ayatollahs a breather" to regroup without dismantling nuclear, missile, or terror capabilities. Critics argue the deal empowers Iran strategically.

Lapid and others highlighted Netanyahu's unmet war aims, including regime change and total neutralization of Iranian proxies like Hezbollah. Despite Israel's ongoing Lebanon offensive—killing 254 per Lebanese reports—the ceasefire excludes that front, fueling claims of incomplete victory. Netanyahu countered by affirming Israel's "finger on the trigger," ready to resume hostilities if needed.

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This backlash reflects broader political fractures, with even coalition allies questioning the pause's timing amid stalled talks. Veteran journalist Anshel Pfeffer noted Netanyahu's subdued tone, suggesting overestimation of US-Israel capacity to crush Iran decisively. Public sentiment echoes fears the truce preserves Tehran's threats long-term.

The controversy intensifies ahead of Islamabad negotiations, testing Netanyahu's leadership as protests demand accountability. Opposition demands his resignation, framing the outcome as a historic fiasco that exposes alliance rifts with Washington. Hezbollah strikes continue unabated.As regional tensions simmer, the row underscores domestic vulnerabilities for Netanyahu, balancing fragile ceasefires with voter expectations for security dominance. The ceasefire's viability now hinges on diplomatic gains, with Israeli hawks eyeing resumption if Iran rebuilds.

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