US torn between expanding Iran war and ceasefire push as Israel escalates strikes—the details

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar

Between a potential U.S. decision to expand the war against Iran and another tied to a possible ceasefire that could pave the way for negotiations, Israel continues to intensify its attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure.

Israel has sent a message to Washington indicating that broad strikes on Iranian power stations would accelerate the collapse of the regime and help bring the war to an end.

While statements regarding the Iranian front are being made publicly, discussions over the Lebanese front are taking place behind closed doors.

Following an internal agreement to separate the course of the war with Iran from that related to Lebanon, debate has intensified over the nature of military operations there.

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, in a Passover message to troops, said the army would deepen its operations in southern Lebanon, as well as expand intelligence activity to ensure Israel’s security.

At the same time, recommendations are being discussed to ensure the swift completion of military operations in Lebanon. These include establishing a strong defensive line in areas under Israeli control and declaring the area south of the Litani River a closed military zone.

Despite threats of further incursions and possible occupation in Lebanon, the Israeli military has redeployed its defensive systems, particularly in the north. These rely primarily on the Iron Dome, raising concerns over an increased risk of incoming rockets—especially ballistic missiles—without sufficient capability to intercept them.