U.S.-Iran Cease-Fire Faces Israeli Resistance

A new cease-fire agreement between the United States and Iran demands an end to hostilities in Lebanon. Despite this, U.S. intelligence suggests Israel will continue its military actions against Hezbollah.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is expected to persist in military operations, despite a cease-fire deal that calls for halting conflict in Lebanon. According to a U.S. intelligence report, Netanyahu faces substantial domestic pressure to respond to Hezbollah’s attacks on northern Israel.

Hezbollah, a powerful militia and political entity in Lebanon supported by Iran, is perceived as a significant threat by Israel. The Israeli leadership believes retaliatory measures are necessary and that attacks should not go unanswered.

U.S. intelligence agencies maintain that Israel’s operations might persist, even if they complicate discussions between Iran and the United States regarding Iran’s nuclear program and a potential peace agreement.

The cease-fire deal has received criticism in Israel for not addressing Iran’s missile program, requiring U.S. forces to leave the region, and imposing limitations on Israeli military actions in Lebanon. Although Israel did not sign the accord, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, stated on Friday that Israel stopped all offensive actions in Lebanon. He emphasized that Israeli forces would stay in southern Lebanon, reiterating Israel’s uncompromising stance on security.

Recent intelligence assessments indicate skepticism among American spy agencies about the durability of these commitments, considering Israel’s security concerns.