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US intelligence warns Israeli operations against Hezbollah may threaten Iran deal: report

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • US intelligence warns that continued Israeli operations against Hezbollah could undermine a recent US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding.
  • The intelligence reports suggest Prime Minister Netanyahu's political future is linked to continuing efforts against Hezbollah, potentially conflicting with the US-Iran deal.
  • Israeli officials state military activity is solely for defending citizens, while US officials express concern that Israel's presence in Lebanon could derail the agreement.

US intelligence agencies have alerted the White House that ongoing Israeli military operations targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon risk undermining a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran. The Washington Post reported Friday that these intelligence assessments highlight a potential conflict between Israeli security objectives and the fragile US-Iran agreement.

According to current and former US officials cited in the report, continued operations ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could negatively impact the success of the deal. One official suggested Netanyahu's political standing in upcoming elections is tied to demonstrating resolve against Hezbollah. The withdrawal of Israeli troops or a suspension of operations might be perceived as a defeat for the prime minister.

Israeli military activity in Lebanon is for the sole purpose of defending Israeli citizens from continuous attacks by Hezbollah.

— An Israeli officialSpeaking to The Washington Post on the condition of anonymity, an Israeli official explained the rationale behind military operations in Lebanon.

Israeli perceptions suggest the US-Iran deal could hinder their ability to defend against threats from Lebanon and undermine pressure on Iran, which supports Hezbollah. An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, emphasized that military activity in Lebanon is strictly for defending Israeli citizens from Hezbollah attacks. However, US officials believe even sustained military presence, without escalation, could jeopardize the agreement, with one stating that "continuing to occupy part of Lebanon is a recipe for disaster."

Despite Israeli concerns, Trump administration officials reportedly maintain that the deal permits Israel to respond to ceasefire violations. They prioritize the agreement's role in reopening the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping, viewing Israeli security worries as secondary.

Continuing to occupy part of Lebanon is a recipe for disaster.

— One US officialThe official told The Washington Post that Israel's sustained military presence in Lebanon could derail the US-Iran deal.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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