Diplomacy is not enough: Iran's deal must weaken, not strengthen, Hezbollah in Lebanon - editorial

A new US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding could de-escalate regional tensions, but Israel fears it may undermine its security, particularly on the northern border. The Jerusalem Post editorial argues that while diplomacy is crucial, it cannot replace security, and the distinction is stark for families living under the threat of conflict.

The full text of the understanding remains unpublished, but reports suggest it aims for a ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon. However, Israel was reportedly not allowed to review the draft, despite its clauses directly impacting Israeli security. Previous understandings conditioned a ceasefire on Hezbollah's withdrawal and disarmament, with the Lebanese Armed Forces taking over. This approach aimed to strengthen the Lebanese state and weaken Hezbollah's ties to Tehran.

The new US-Iran framework, however, risks empowering Hezbollah by linking its future to Iran's negotiating leverage. Iranian officials and Hezbollah allies are already framing an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon as part of the US-Iran talks. This raises concerns that Israel's northern border could become a bargaining chip in a deal where the primary parties are not those directly affected by Hezbollah's rockets.

While Israel does not oppose all diplomatic initiatives and values its ties with the US and neighboring countries, the editorial stresses that hope is not a security strategy. A ceasefire that leaves Hezbollah armed and politically emboldened, without a clear path to disarmament, is seen as insufficient.