Israel Issues Ultimatum to Lebanon Over Hezbollah Activity
Israel warned Lebanon that fighting will resume unless the Lebanese army establishes checkpoints to prevent Hezbollah from opening a new military front against Israel.
The Cabinet of Israel has issued an ultimatum to the Lebanese government, demanding the Lebanese army redeploy forces and establish checkpoints in Hezbollah-linked areas. Israel warned that fighting will resume if Hezbollah joins a potential renewed conflict with Iran. This escalation follows tri-partite meetings in Tampa, Florida, where U.S. and Israeli delegates concluded that the Lebanese government is unable or unwilling to curb the militia due to its integration into the state's deep state.
Israeli military pressure has intensified, with the Israeli Air Force increasing strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon and drones flying over Beirut. Tensions rose further after the interception of a massive shipment of C-4 and TNT explosives smuggled from the Beqaa Valley toward Beirut. While Hezbollah demanded the return of the explosives, the Lebanese military court has expanded charges to 13 people following an investigation into the shipment.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have pursued a strategy of gradual pressure to avoid a sectarian civil war. However, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has refused to discuss the group's weapons until Israeli forces withdraw according to UN Resolution 1701. Simultaneously, the Israel Defense Forces and United States Central Command are coordinating potential joint operations against Iranian nuclear and energy facilities, amid expectations that President Donald Trump may order strikes against Iran.
