Israeli Political Tensions Rise after Lebanon Ceasefire Deal

Political tensions have intensified within Israel following a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, while developments on the ground in southern Lebanon suggest continued military activity and coordination between Lebanese forces and international peacekeepers.

Israeli political sources cited growing anger in political circles after the announcement of the truce, which followed reported pressure from Washington to prevent an Israeli strike on Beirut and came amid earlier threats from Israeli leadership.

The Israeli defense minister and other officials have faced criticism from within the government, with some accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of operating under direct U.S. influence.

Defense Minister Israel Katz, in remarks addressing opposition criticism, said arrangements reached in Washington reflected the realities established by the Israeli military, not only in southern Lebanon but across the country.

He said Israel would work to establish a demilitarized security zone and push Hezbollah forces north of the Litani River, while continuing efforts to disarm the group across Lebanon.

Katz also said Israeli forces would not withdraw from positions in southern Lebanon, including areas recently captured, and would continue operations targeting what he described as Hezbollah military infrastructure.

According to Alqahera News, Lebanese military sources said that the Lebanese army would deploy in the town of Dbein after confirming it was free of Israeli presence.

The sources noted that the Lebanese army, in coordination with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), was working to reopen the Haspaya–Ibl al-Saqi road after it was damaged in Israeli airstrikes.