Tel aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly informed senior US officials that any prospective agreement between Washington and Tehran will not deter Israel's ongoing military operations in Lebanon. This development comes amidst heightened tensions and ongoing conflict in the region.
According to Anadolu Agency, Netanyahu conveyed this stance during private discussions with key members of US President Donald Trump's administration. The Israeli leader emphasized that any US-Iran agreement would be irrelevant to the Lebanese theater, where Israel's military objectives remain unchanged.
The report, sourced from the Israel Hayom daily, notes Netanyahu's firm declaration that Israel intends to leverage the current situation to dismantle Hezbollah's military capabilities irrespective of any diplomatic agreements between the US and Iran. Furthermore, Netanyahu dismissed a proposal from French President Emmanuel Macron, which suggested a cessation of hostilities against Hezbollah in return for French assistance in resolving the crisis.
Netanyahu is reportedly of the view that the ongoing conflict presents a strategic opportunity to enhance Israel's security by pushing Hezbollah forces beyond the Litani River. A senior Israeli official, as quoted in the newspaper, indicated that the United States has aligned with Israel's perspective, highlighting a lack of concern from President Trump regarding Lebanese affairs.
The conflict has seen Israel intensifying its military actions in Lebanon, following a Hezbollah-initiated cross-border attack on March 2. The hostilities have resulted in significant casualties, with Lebanese authorities reporting at least 1,247 deaths and 3,690 injuries owing to Israeli military operations.
This escalation is set against the backdrop of a broader US-Israeli offensive against Iran, commencing on February 28, which has led to over 1,340 fatalities. In retaliation, Iran has executed drone and missile strikes targeting locations in Israel and US bases across Gulf nations.