Hezbollah likely pushing Iran to secure its inclusion in any ceasefire agreement with US - report
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Hezbollah is reportedly pushing Iran to ensure its inclusion in any potential US-brokered ceasefire agreement with Israel.
- Israeli defense officials fear a US-Iran deal could halt IDF operations in Lebanon and lead to demands for Israeli withdrawal.
- The IDF has intensified strikes against Hezbollah, reporting approximately 2,500 fighters killed since Operation Roaring Lion began.
Hezbollah is actively lobbying Iran to be included in any ceasefire agreement negotiated with the United States, according to a senior Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Northern Command official speaking to KAN News. This move comes amid Israeli fears that a US-Iran deal could lead to a halt in IDF counterterrorism operations against the group in Lebanon and potentially force an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
The IDF official stated that Hezbollah has been "significantly weakened" despite ongoing drone and rocket attacks, and is "fighting for its life." Israel has thus far managed to keep Hezbollah separate from direct US-Iran talks, but the Northern Command is concerned that a future agreement might contain a clause compelling Israel to cease hostilities.
Hezbollah is fighting for its life, and is urging Iran to include it in the agreement.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military is seeking authorization to increase its strikes and ground operations in Lebanon. This recommendation is driven by concerns about a potential US-imposed ceasefire and the direct impact on civilians in northern Israel. The IDF has reportedly intensified its strikes against Hezbollah, including recent hits on Beirut. Since the start of "Operation Roaring Lion," the IDF claims to have killed approximately 2,500 Hezbollah fighters, with 800 eliminated since a previous Iran ceasefire took effect. The military also recently released a list of seven Hezbollah leaders killed in the past two weeks.
Hezbollah is fighting for its life
Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.