Prime Minister Netanyahu informed US President Donald Trump that Israel is not committed to a demand for a permanent halt to fighting in Lebanon, according to a diplomatic source. The remark signals a point of friction between Jerusalem and Washington amid ongoing US-Iran negotiations.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told US President Donald Trump that Israel is not bound by a demand for a permanent cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, according to a political source cited by Israeli media. The statement marks a rare public divergence between Jerusalem and the White House over the terms of a broader US-Iran understanding, which Washington has reportedly sought to link to de-escalation on the Lebanese front. Netanyahu's position reaffirms Israel's insistence on retaining operational freedom against Hezbollah, a stance The Zioneer has previously reported as a consistent red line. The conversation comes after weeks of reported friction over the scope of any regional deal; as The Zioneer noted on June 16, Israel had formally objected to the linkage of a Lebanon ceasefire to an Iran agreement. It remains unclear how or whether the US will accommodate Israel's position in the final terms of the emerging memorandum with Tehran.
2 developments
- DevelopingNetanyahu: Israel not in permanent war, four peace deals with Trump, Druze and Muslims seek protection
- DevelopingNetanyahu tells Trump Israel won't withdraw from Lebanon, abandon north
- StrongNetanyahu warned ministers: No immunity, not in Beirut nor Tehran
- StrongNetanyahu told cabinet last week Israel will not withdraw from Lebanon even under US pressure, Yarhi reports
Source and signal
- Open-source intake