In the Tree brasserie off Herzl Street in Rehovot, broad agreement emerged among patrons. Almost no one disputed that the recent ceasefire between Iran and the US was harmful for Israel. "We were let down by President Trump," remarked Avi Perez, 55.

Patrons also felt Israel now faced heightened threats it would need to handle without allies. "It feels odd. One moment we were in shelters with our kids. The next everything should return to routine. Yet nothing is settled," observed Shaham Nowick, 35, while reviewing the menu.

Rehovot, located 12 miles from Tel Aviv, is often cited by analysts as representative of middle Israel in a varied nation. Israeli and national flags lined main roads, energetic music played at intersections, Orthodox men met nearby, and traffic increased near sites building a fresh transit network.

Some visited the venue to escape coverage dominated on Friday by reports of fresh clashes in Lebanon. Israeli strikes there killed 18 and injured 33 after Hezbollah, tied closely to Iran, struck a tank and killed four soldiers including a senior officer.

Many Israelis see the US-brokered deal with Iran as disloyal. Analysts labeled it a capitulation and embarrassment worse than anticipated.

Widespread worry exists that Iran could emerge more powerful after the fighting while the Lebanon accord may limit Israel's options against Hezbollah viewed as a grave northern danger.

"Israelis regard the Lebanon campaign as justified," noted Udi Tenne, a political strategist. "All residents grasp that Iran and Hezbollah operate as one."

In Metulla near the Lebanese border frustration ran high. "People welcomed action against Iran but the US deal harms Israel. It is a serious error," stated Daniel Dorfmann, a local restaurateur.

Others described Israel's inability to meet goals such as regime change, ending Iran's nuclear efforts and removing its missile arsenal as a complete shortfall.

After beginning the conflict aligned with Washington, Israel found itself sidelined and labeled a minor actor by Donald Trump.

Rather than receiving an invitation to consult at the White House, Benjamin Netanyahu endured sharp criticism and remarks on civilian losses from Israel's operations in Lebanon where over 3900 have died.

Nadav Eyal, writing in Yedioth Ahronoth, stated that shock and sorrow do not capture reactions in parts of Israel's leadership as further pressure mounts.

Netanyahu, aged 76 and facing corruption charges, must now persuade voters he alone can ensure security.

Prof Tamar Hermann of the Israel Democracy Institute observed that Netanyahu set clear targets with overconfidence. Failure leaves him seen as unable to deliver.

Rehovot, with few Palestinian citizens, serves as an indicator for Jewish voters who form three quarters of the electorate. Elections are anticipated in October. "The vote will mark a key shift," said one opposition figure. "Its weight for the nation is hard to overstate."

Trust in Netanyahu dropped sharply even among backers due to lapses before the October 2023 Hamas assault that killed 1200 mostly civilians and abducted 250. Israel's intense Gaza campaign that claimed over 73000 lives mostly civilians led to global isolation. Israel holds 70 percent of Gaza yet Hamas governs most of the 2.3 million residents. Operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon have yielded no decisive result.

Despite criticism some stay loyal. Among undecided voters 43 percent last week named a Netanyahu-led group as best to confront Iran.

At the brasserie Perez, an engineer, said Netanyahu is human and errs but understands how to correct course and what the country requires. Trump represents his own interests.

These views suggest the election will be competitive. Netanyahu may still prevail over challengers. Hermann noted he faces difficulty yet often finds unexpected paths as a political escape artist.

Lee Novick, 34, a doctor in Rehovot, said divisions among Israelis run deeper than before. Netanyahu has fostered splits that persist while core issues like housing costs and inflation receive little attention.

"I accept Iran's stated aim to eliminate Israel. Why doubt it? Yet this government uses the conflict to advance divisive measures and retain power."

Opposition officials echoed that Jewish Israelis feel more fragmented. "People talk past one another with little shared ground," one remarked.

Hermann counters that past decades saw similar divides such as in the 1990s. Most Jewish voters align on an open economy with welfare support via fair taxes, firm security policies, Israel as a Jewish state and rejection of a two-state outcome with Palestinians.

Currently most back the Lebanon effort and oppose draft exemptions for Orthodox groups.

"Discussions of division may reinforce themselves," Hermann added.

In Rehovot Dahlia Perez, 55, concluded last week's events showed peace will not arrive.

"I hoped wars would end but we will always rely on our own defense. We see now we have no allies and can trust no one."