Following the signing of a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, Israel has reiterated its commitment to remaining engaged in Lebanon. Sources indicate that Israeli and Lebanese governments are preparing for a new round of discussions in Washington next week. In his initial public statement after the US-Iran deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “We will restore security to the north.” He added that this objective necessitates maintaining a security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as Israeli security requirements dictate.
The US-Iran agreement stipulates an “immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.” Despite this, Israel has reportedly continued military actions in southern Lebanon, citing targets within the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah. For instance, an Israeli drone strike killed three individuals in Kfar Tebni on Thursday, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. Furthermore, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reports that Israeli strikes have resulted in over 3,900 fatalities since the conflict with Iran began.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah has maintained its offensive posture, launching rockets and drones against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, an action that resulted in the death of an Israeli soldier on Wednesday. The next diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon are scheduled for Washington from June 23-25, according to an Israeli official. These discussions are expected to involve ambassadors and include military-level discussions.
Topics: #lebanon #iran #netanyahu
The continued military posturing makes the stated ceasefire agreement highly questionable.