Lebanon deal focused on dismantling Hezbollah, not Israeli withdrawal, ambassador Leiter says

Israel's framework agreement with Lebanon is fundamentally focused on dismantling the Hezbollah militant group, rather than adhering to a set timeline for Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, stated Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter.

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The focus of the agreement is the dismantling of Hezbollah, not Israel’s withdrawal.

Leiter, who led Israel's negotiation delegation, explained that Israel's departure from the security zone is contingent upon the Lebanese army establishing full control over the area south of the Litani River and ensuring Hezbollah ceases all armed activities there. "The focus of the agreement is the dismantling of Hezbollah, not Israel’s withdrawal," Leiter emphasized during an interview with the Jewish People Policy Institute’s podcast.

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If I identify something that severely harms Israel’s standing, embarrasses Israel, and gives credibility to our worst enemies, I will speak.

Beyond the specifics of the Lebanon agreement, Leiter expressed sharp criticism of certain Israeli politicians whose public statements he believes are damaging Jerusalem's standing in Washington and internationally. He specifically cited National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, stating that "things that should not be said, should not be said." Leiter defended his public criticism of Ben-Gvir, even when it breached diplomatic protocol, by asserting his duty to speak out when actions severely harm Israel's reputation and lend credibility to its adversaries.

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things that should not be said, should not be said.

Leiter also addressed the broader context of Israel's current state, describing the nation as "a people in trauma" following the events of October 7, the subsequent war, and the resulting casualties and displacement. He further condemned remarks made by Minister May Golan regarding Reform Jews as "reprehensible" and "intolerable," personally apologizing to Reform rabbis and emphasizing his role in representing both the Israeli government and its people abroad. Leiter also reiterated his criticism of the liberal advocacy group J-Street, calling it "a cancer in the Jewish community."

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a people in trauma