Israel divided over Lebanon ceasefire as political and military rifts deepen

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian 

Between those who viewed the ceasefire decision with Lebanon as reflecting Israel’s submission to an Iranian condition not to separate it from the Lebanon front, and as leaving the Israeli government steered by U.S. President Donald Trump, and those who considered the decision justified as long as it guarantees the army freedom of action in the future, divisions have deepened within Israel’s political establishment, as well as between the political and military institutions.

The decision was taken by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alone, at Trump's request. It is set to last 10 days. Ministers were informed by phone that there was no other option, as Netanyahu told them. Defense Minister Israel Katz sought to contain ministers' anger.

For its part, the military establishment viewed the temporary ceasefire as an opportunity for the Lebanese government to develop a plan to disarm Hezbollah. 

It did not oppose the move on the basis that it preserves its operational freedom and does not prevent it from maintaining what it described as an anti-tank defensive line.

These justifications did not prevent protests by residents of northern Israel.

Amid this, polls conducted after the ceasefire showed Netanyahu ahead of his rivals in the upcoming elections, even as 51% of Israelis oppose the ceasefire despite ongoing direct negotiations with Lebanon.