Israel and Lebanon Agree to Ceasefire, But Hezbollah Remains the Core Issue

The Jerusalem Post views the recent ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon with deep skepticism, questioning its true significance given the persistent threat posed by Hezbollah. While the announcement came via an unconventional social media post from US President Donald Trump, the article highlights the internal Israeli political fallout, with cabinet members and opposition leaders expressing anger and frustration at being blindsided by the news. This reaction underscores a long-standing Israeli sentiment: that any agreement with Lebanon is ultimately undermined by Hezbollah's entrenched presence and influence.

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pushed this ceasefire through

From an Israeli perspective, the editorial argues that military force alone has proven insufficient to neutralize Hezbollah, despite repeated government assurances. The article points to the statements of opposition leaders like Yair Lapid and Avigdor Liberman, who insist that any conflict must end with Hezbollah's elimination. This reflects a national desire for a definitive resolution to the threat, rather than a temporary cessation of hostilities.

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all the promises of this government [are] crashing against the ground of reality

The piece emphasizes that the real challenge lies within Lebanon itself, describing Hezbollah as a "cancer" that destabilizes the region. The article notes the unprecedented nature of the Washington talks, where Lebanon's ambassador reportedly acknowledged Hezbollah as a mutual problem. Israel's core demands—Hezbollah's disarmament and a sustainable peace agreement—are reiterated, with the assertion that the Israeli army will maintain a security buffer zone until the threat is removed. The involvement of the US in actively leading disarmament efforts is presented as a potentially significant, albeit cautiously viewed, development.

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the war must not be ended without a clear decision and the elimination of Hezbollah.