Tel Aviv, Israel – High-level Israeli sources have revealed highly sensitive developments following US President Donald Trump’s announcement last Thursday of a framework agreement with Iran to end the war that has been ongoing since February. The sources confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially informed the US administration that Tel Aviv does not consider itself bound by the so-called “Lebanon clause” included in the agreement.
Constants of the Israeli position
In his letter to Trump, as reported by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not withdraw from its current positions in Lebanon. He also affirmed that the Israeli army would continue its targeted military operations to thwart Hezbollah’s threats. This would include destroying the group’s infrastructure and countering any attacks targeting Israel’s heartland. Furthermore, Netanyahu reiterated his firm rejection of the policy of “unifying the fronts.” He deemed linking the Lebanese front to the Iranian issue “unacceptable” to Israel.
Government support to counter “dictates”
This position received broad support during last night’s meeting of the inner security cabinet. Ministers also emphasized that Israel will defend its immediate security interests regardless of any international agreements. Sources indicated that Israeli officials are determined to stand firmly against any attempt to impose a forced withdrawal, even if this leads to diplomatic tensions with Washington.
“Alternative response” strategy
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich emerged as one of the most hawkish voices. He proposed a deterrence strategy based on retaliatory strikes inside Lebanon in response to any Iranian attack, rather than striking inside Iran. Smotrich suggested warning residents of the Bekaa Valley in advance that any rocket fire would be met with a fierce Israeli response against dozens of targets within an hour. His aim was to create public pressure on Hezbollah. He argued that this approach offered “two bombs for the price of one”: deterrence against Iran and a structural weakening of Hezbollah. This approach, he claimed, would serve the security of the north for decades.
The balance between deterrence and the relationship with Washington
While National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for a “disproportionate response” to any threat, it is estimated that Netanyahu is adopting a more balanced approach. He is currently refusing to carry out strikes that exceed a certain threshold. He wants to maintain close coordination with President Trump, who is striving to solidify his new agreement. This agreement includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. The regional landscape remains caught between the American desire to end the war and Israel’s insistence on continuing operations on the Lebanese front. Therefore, the framework agreement faces complex security challenges.
