Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning that Israel risks severe diplomatic fallout amid escalating tensions with key allies, including the United States and the European Union.
In a post on X, Lapid pointed to a series of recent diplomatic disputes involving members of Netanyahu's government and foreign leaders, arguing that Israel's international standing is deteriorating.
“In the past day, the U.S. Vice President got angry at a press conference over Smotrich and Ben Gvir, Foreign Minister Sa'ar cut ties with the European Union's foreign minister, and President Trump said Netanyahu is showing irresponsibility in Lebanon,” Lapid wrote.
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Calling for a change in leadership, he added, “If we don't quickly replace this government, Israel's foreign relations will be wiped out.”
ביממה האחרונה סגן נשיא ארה״ב התעצבן במסיבת עתונאים על סמוטריץ׳ ובן גביר, שר החוץ סער ניתק את הקשרים עם שרת החוץ של האיחוד האירופי, והנשיא טראמפ אמר שנתניהו מגלה חוסר אחריות בלבנון. אם לא נחליף מהר את הממשלה הזו, יחסי החוץ של ישראל יימחקו
— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) June 19, 2026
Lapid's remarks come as Netanyahu faces increasing scrutiny over Israel's ties with Western partners amid disagreements over regional security, diplomatic engagement and the government's handling of ongoing conflicts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing mounting criticism at home after the preliminary US-Iran agreement sparked a political backlash across Israel's political spectrum, with rivals and commentators questioning whether he misjudged both Iran and US President Donald Trump.
The deal, which paves the way for extending the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli opposition leaders and former officials who argue that Israel's strategic objectives remain unmet despite months of conflict.
ALSO READ: Did Netanyahu Miscalculate? Why US-Iran Deal Has Triggered Backlash For Israeli PM
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak accused Netanyahu of strategic miscalculation. "Israel is paying the price of Netanyahu's hubris and blindness, and the price of the manipulations that he tried to pull on Trump," Barak told Israel's public broadcaster. "Iran emerged stronger; Israel emerged weaker. That is Netanyahu's strategic responsibility. He failed."
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