Israel dismayed by impending US-Iran deal, plans continued Lebanon attacks

Israel is voicing strong dissatisfaction with the ongoing US-Iran negotiations, with high-ranking defense officials reportedly warning that the emerging agreement does not sufficiently consider Israeli interests. These officials are concerned that the US is prioritizing its own agenda over Israel's security concerns, despite Israel's significant involvement in confronting Iran.

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Israeli defense officials are concerned about the (ceasefire) agreement taking shape between the US and Iran. They warn that Israel's interests have not been considered throughout the negotiations.

The core of the US-Iran deal reportedly involves opening the Strait of Hormuz and Iran abandoning its enriched uranium. However, Israel insists that a ceasefire should not occur until Iran permanently abandons its nuclear weapons program. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel and the US stand shoulder-to-shoulder against Iran and that Iran will not possess nuclear weapons.

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Israel fought alongside the US in a full-scale war against Iran, but the White House is no longer sufficiently reflecting Israel's interests.

Israel is particularly resistant to the potential inclusion of a halt to its operations in Lebanon as part of the US-Iran agreement. Israel has been conducting strikes in southern Lebanon against the Iran-backed Hezbollah since March 2. The proposed US-Iran deal reportedly stipulates an end to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict upon the ceasefire's activation, though Israel would be permitted to act in self-defense if Hezbollah re-arms or attacks first.

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Iran will not possess nuclear weapons.

Despite these potential restrictions, Israel is signaling its intent to continue military actions in Lebanon. Prime Minister Netanyahu claims to have secured President Trump's assurance that Israel retains the freedom to conduct operations "on all fronts, including Lebanon." Israeli military officials have also indicated to local media that even if forced to cease operations in southern Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces will persist in efforts to eliminate Hezbollah operatives in the region. There are also reports that Israel has no intention of withdrawing from Lebanese territory it currently occupies, planning to use these areas as bases for continued combat.

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Even if forced by the US and Iran to halt our offensive in southern Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces will continue efforts to eliminate Hezbollah operatives in the region.