Israel has persistently targeted Hezbollah locations in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire arrangement between the US and Iran. A person has tragically lost their life in the assaults, even though Lebanon was part of the ‘memorandum of understanding’ concerning the Iran conflict. US President Donald Trump’s contentious MOU acknowledges Lebanon’s inclusion, effectively constraining Israel’s capacity to strike Iran’s proxy arm Hezbollah. This move has provoked Israeli displeasure, viewing the MOU as severely limiting their ability to defend against Hezbollah through offensive actions.
Following the revelation of the MOU specifics, reports indicated that Israeli delegates hurried to Washington to strongly advocate for maintaining troops in Lebanon. A western security source disclosed to the Mirror, “This has already sparked significant friction between Israel and the US as Israelis perceive it as a surrender. Israel has previously been able to preempt Hezbollah by conducting operations within Lebanon, impeding its potential threat escalation. Notably, forces like Hezbollah’s elite Radwan unit have suffered heavy losses, but if Israel complies with this agreement, it fears Hezbollah’s consolidation.”
“Israel may find itself compelled to oppose Washington as it has long been engaged in depleting Hezbollah with considerable achievements. This presents a major setback for Israel, as it views the presence of troops in southern Lebanon as strategically crucial for shielding its northern settlements.” Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem praised the Trump MOU as a significant “victory” while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces the dilemma of defying Washington. Qassem lauded the deal as a “great victory” for Iran, expressing gratitude to Iran for linking Lebanon to the agreement.
The MOU, digitally signed by Trump in France ahead of an upcoming signing in Switzerland, initiates a 60-day consultation period on peace. Despite the hope to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days, there are concerns that Iran may impose shipping tariffs. Trump’s MOU, deemed more unfavorable than ex-President Obama’s 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, defers critical issues related to Iran’s nuclear aspirations. Additionally, it overlooks addressing Iran’s missile stockpile, posing a significant threat to Israel.
Lebanon marks the primary point in the new agreement, commencing with cessation of hostilities, including in Lebanon, and the US committing not to intervene in Iran. Within 30 days, the US must lift its naval blockade and withdraw from Iran’s vicinity. The Strait of Hormuz is slated to reopen within the same timeframe, accompanied by lifting oil sanctions and a $300 billion payment from the US to Iran, with the funding source remaining unclear. Subsequent negotiations will focus on Iran’s nuclear program and further sanctions removal, with Iran pledging not to pursue nuclear armament.
No new sanctions or reinforcement of US forces in the region are allowed under the agreement. Iran is set to receive a $24 billion payment, half of it before the 60-day deadline, contingent upon the unfreezing of half of frozen assets, suspension of oil sanctions, and cessation of the naval blockade before deliberations on uranium enrichment commence. Iran’s missile program and support for proxy entities like Hezbollah are excluded from the settlement terms.
