Media: Israel intensifies pressure on Hezbollah ahead of possible US–Iran deal

Israeli leaders have stepped up operations against Hezbollah in an effort to inflict maximum damage on the group before any potential diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran, according to a report by Al-Monitor citing Israeli diplomatic sources.

The outlet said that Israeli officials are concerned that a future agreement between Washington and Tehran could include demands for a long-term ceasefire in Lebanon, potentially limiting Israel’s freedom of action against Hezbollah.

“We do not know how much time we have before the White House asks Israel to establish a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon,” one source told Al-Monitor.

“That is why Israel is now trying to exert maximum pressure on Hezbollah and weaken it, in order to secure a more favourable agreement with the Lebanese government.”

Officials in Israel reportedly fear that any US–Iran understanding could significantly reduce Israel’s ability to maintain pressure on the Iran-backed armed group in Lebanon.

By Aghakazim Guliyev