Two fronts, two paths: Israel seeks Iran deal, expands Lebanon war

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

As the fifth week of the "Lion's Roar" war unfolds, U.S.-Israeli consultations are intensifying over developments on both the Iran and Lebanon fronts, amid Israeli insistence on separating the two scenes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated this position to U.S. President Donald Trump, stressing that Israel intends to continue its military campaign against Hezbollah even if a ceasefire is reached with Iran.

Military coordination has also been a key part of the discussions. Commander of United States Central Command Brad Cooper held talks in Tel Aviv with Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir on regional developments and the growing possibility of ending the war with Iran while maintaining operations in Lebanon.

At the same time, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces would remain in South Lebanon even after the war ends.

Katz also sought to reassure Israelis concerned about mounting casualties among soldiers fighting Hezbollah, as the Israeli army acknowledged the challenges of confronting the group in ground operations.

Amid the ongoing conflict, Israeli messaging has also focused on internal Lebanese dynamics. Israeli officials have indicated that military efforts are aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's presence in Shiite areas, while suggesting that Christian regions would not be targeted.

Analysts say such messaging echoes past strategies used during earlier phases of Israel's involvement in South Lebanon, raising concerns about a potentially more dangerous and prolonged scenario if current patterns continue.