Israel's military urges expanded Lebanon operations ahead of potential Trump-Iran deal

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian 

Before U.S. President Donald Trump signs an agreement with Iran and calls on Israel to halt its war in Lebanon under such a deal, the Israeli military has reportedly recommended that the political leadership immediately approve an intensification of airstrikes and ground incursions in Lebanon beyond the Yellow Line, while taking control of new areas it does not plan to withdraw from before achieving Hezbollah's disarmament.

At the height of these developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, Israeli army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and senior military commanders, visited the border area with Lebanon. 

From there, he said Israeli forces were moving toward elevated positions that would give Israel tactical control inside Lebanon.

An Israeli military official said the green light granted by Washington for Israel to carry out specific operations against Hezbollah effectively gives Israel the authority to decide the timing, location, and scale of any strike. 

The official also said that any potential U.S.-Iran agreement would not include a halt to Israeli operations but could lead to a return to the ceasefire lines agreed upon with Lebanon in November 2024.

The remarks came as the Israeli military intensified its attacks against Hezbollah and prepared for possible retaliation scenarios, ranging from rocket fire to the launch of large numbers of drones toward northern Israel.

Amid the security escalation, the municipality of Kiryat Shmona took what was described as an unprecedented step in Israel by filing a petition with the Supreme Court demanding that the Israeli government ensure its protection and security against what it called the “Lebanese enemy.”

The municipality said that the continuation of negotiations between Tel Aviv and Beirut was further delaying the achievement of security guarantees for northern communities.