Netanyahu's Lebanon attacks: The biggest hurdle to US-Iran ceasefire deal?

A de facto ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, reportedly ending 106 days of conflict, faces a significant hurdle in the form of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's potential continued offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

According to Iranian media, citing a senior advisor to the Iranian negotiation chief, the first item in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the US and Iran is a cessation of war on all fronts, including Lebanon. The agreement allegedly states that both sides would be obligated to end the war immediately upon signing. The initial draft proposed by Iran reportedly excluded issues such as Iran's missile program and its support for proxy groups, which are of major concern to Israel.

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We must not tolerate anything that does not lead to the dismantling of Hezbollah. Trump's agreement does not bind us. We are not a party to this agreement.

Despite the reported progress, criticism is mounting within Israel. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared that Israel should not tolerate anything less than the dismantling of Hezbollah and stated that any agreement made by former President Trump would not bind Israel, as it is not a party to it. Opposition leader Yair Golan criticized Netanyahu, stating that the agreement erases Israel's military achievements and that Netanyahu passively observed the proceedings.

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Israel's military achievements were erased by the agreement. Netanyahu passively observed.

Israel has been accused of actively obstructing the US-Iran negotiations. On the same day the reported MOU was reached, Israel launched airstrikes on Beirut, the Lebanese capital, citing Hezbollah attacks. Former President Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval of Netanyahu's actions, telling Axios that he was "so mad" about the attack occurring just an hour before a potential signing, calling it "stupid."

Netanyahu faces pressure from upcoming elections, demanding a firm response to the Hezbollah threat, which puts him at odds with Trump's desire for a swift resolution. Reports suggest Trump proposed an Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon, but Netanyahu rejected it, deeming it not in the "joint interest of Israel and the United States."

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Why did Bibi have to do that stupid attack just an hour before we were about to sign? I was so mad. He has no judgment.

Political commentator Gideon Levy expressed doubt about the effectiveness of the reported agreement, noting that Israel remains deployed in Lebanon and shows no intention of withdrawing. "As long as troops are stationed, there will be no complete ceasefire," Levy stated in an interview with Al Jazeera.

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Netanyahu has been completely excluded from the negotiations and can only engage in obstruction. It is questionable how this agreement, which includes a complete withdrawal from Lebanon, will work. Israel is still stationed in Lebanon and has no intention of withdrawing. As long as troops are stationed, there will be no complete ceasefire.