Israel warns Lebanon: Fighting will resume if Hezbollah joins renewed Iran conflict
Israel has conveyed a message to the Lebanese government in recent days through US mediation, demanding that the Lebanese army redeploy its forces and establish checkpoints in areas where Hezbollah operatives reside. According to a report by Kan 11 News on Monday evening, the demand was made amid Israeli concerns that Hezbollah could open another front if hostilities with Iran resume, under heavy pressure from Tehran. Israel also warned the government in Beirut that if Hezbollah joins the conflict, fighting in Lebanon will resume, despite the direct talks that have taken place between the two countries in recent months.
Left out here: Leaves out what changes the picture
The article never says that the June agreement commits Israel to a gradual withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory, or that Israel holds a zone in southern Lebanon. Without it, a reader believes the obligations run only one way, onto the Lebanese army, and that Israel's strikes breach nothing.
How we know
- Anadolu Agency (English) reported“a US-sponsored framework agreement providing for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory”Lebanon reports Israeli artillery shelling, gunfire in south despite US deal (opens in a new tab)
- Times of Israel reported“The IDF holds a buffer zone in southern Lebanon.”Israel said pressing Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah from joining renewed war with Iran (opens in a new tab)
- On the recordIsrael occupies a self-declared security zone in southern Lebanon.newscord.org (opens in a new tab)
Alongside diplomatic efforts, the Israeli Air Force has intensified its strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon over the past three weeks, primarily targeting open areas that the Lebanese army has not yet reached. According to the report, the Lebanese army's deployment in these areas has been delayed by shortages of personnel, a lack of motivation, and possibly limited operational capabilities. While demanding that the Lebanese army take action on the ground, Israel is continuing to target Hezbollah infrastructure as part of its preparations for a possible resumption of hostilities with Iran.
Left out here: One side gets the space
The article gives the Israeli report's explanation for the Lebanese army's delay, including "a lack of motivation", but not the Lebanese position that continued Israeli strikes are hampering disarmament.
How we know
- Times of Israel reported“continued Israeli strikes are hampering”Israel said pressing Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah from joining renewed war with Iran (opens in a new tab)
Meanwhile, concerns about another war are growing in Lebanon. The Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported that fears of renewed fighting are already affecting residents of Beirut's Dahieh suburb. Some families who fled the area have been reluctant to return to their homes, while others are maintaining alternative apartments in case they are forced to evacuate again. Residents of southern Lebanon are also preparing for the possibility of escalation, with some choosing to relocate to northern parts of the country, farther from areas that could be targeted in future strikes.
Read the original article on israelnationalnews.com (opens in a new tab)