The Israeli media hints at an imminent launch of new war on Lebanon despite the ceasefire agreement
The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation said on Wednesday that the military escalation against Lebanon has become a matter of time, despite a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel.
Israel is preparing for the possibility of a deterioration of the security situation in the Lebanese arena, against the background of what it claims about the increase in Hezbollah’s capabilities and the rebuilding of its military arsenal.
On the other hand, the United States is making intensive diplomatic efforts to prevent a large-scale confrontation, but officials in Israel believe that the escalation is only a matter of time.
It pointed out that Israel briefed US envoy Morgan Ortagus during her visit on Tuesday of the details of assessing a situation related to the growth of Hezbollah’s strength, warning of a military response in the event of continued reconstruction operations.
Ortagus held separate meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
According to the Israel Broadcasting Corporation, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz is expected to arrive in Israel next week, as part of an attempt to curb the escalation.
He was quoted as saying during a conference in New York that his country would continue its efforts to disarm Hezbollah, considering that “Israel has the right to defend itself,” and that the US administration prefers peace but is ready to support firm steps if the need arises.
Israel has warned in recent weeks of the possibility of escalation against Lebanon if Hezbollah doesn’t disarm by the end of this month.
Since November 27, 2024, a ceasefire has prevailed between Hezbollah and Israel, but the latter violates it daily, leaving hundreds of deaths and wounded among Lebanese civilians.
In related context, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Wednesday it had instructed an Israeli delegation to meet with officials in Lebanon, shortly after Beirut announced the appointment of a civilian as head of its delegation to the Ceasefire Monitoring Committee.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the acting director of the National Security Council to send a representative to meet with government and economic officials in Lebanon,” the office said in a statement.
He put it as part of a preliminary attempt to lay the foundation for an economic relationship and cooperation between Israel and Lebanon, which are still officially at war.
The Lebanese President Joseph Aoun decided to assign former ambassador Simon Karam to head the Lebanese delegation to the committee’s meetings.
