WSJ: Israel seeks to exclude Hezbollah from possible US-Iran deal framework

Israel is attempting to persuade the United States not to include issues related to Hezbollah in a potential agreement between Washington and Tehran, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports, citing sources familiar with the discussions.

According to the publication, Iran is insisting that any potential ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran should also include provisions to halt hostilities in Lebanon.

At the same time, Israel is seeking to separate the Lebanese front from US–Iran negotiations, preserving freedom of operation against Hezbollah and reducing threats to its northern regions.

When Hezbollah entered the conflict in early March in support of Iran, Israel launched a ground incursion into Lebanon and stepped up its strikes against the group operating there.

In April, the Trump administration urged a cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon, amid growing concerns that the fighting risked undermining a fragile truce between the United States and Iran.

By Jeyhun Aghazada