The new US-Israel-Lebanon deal reshapes the fight against Hezbollah - opinion

Lead

A three-way agreement between the United States, Israel, and Lebanon, signed on Friday, is intended to clarify the situation in Lebanon that followed the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of June 17. The deal, as reported by the Jerusalem Post, comes as Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has made the restoration of national sovereignty his top priority, aiming to rein in and disarm Hezbollah.

Coverage Comparison

Two separate analyses in the Jerusalem Post examine the agreement from different angles. The first, by Neville Teller, offers an analytical perspective on the agreement's implications, focusing on the dynamics between the US, Israel, and Hezbollah. The second, by Ben Caspit, is more critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership, arguing that his presentation of the agreement raises questions about his fitness to lead. Both pieces are opinion columns that assess the deal's broader context and consequences.

Key Claims

The US-Iran MoU and Its Aftermath

The US-Iran MoU, agreed on June 17, declared an "immediate and lasting cessation of military actions across all fronts, including Lebanon," according to the Jerusalem Post. The agreement opened a 60-day window for negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. However, neither Israel nor Hezbollah were party to the MoU, and the Jerusalem Post reports that the agreement reflects the assumption that the US and Iran control their respective allies—an assumption that the paper describes as "presumptuous" and a "fantasy."

Despite not being bound by the MoU, Israel chose to abide by it, while reserving the right to self-defense against any breach by Hezbollah. Iran, for its part, has been unable to restrain Hezbollah, which has ignored the MoU and carried out armed attacks on the IDF. The Jerusalem Post reports at least two major lethal attacks since the MoU was signed: a tank strike on June 18 that killed four soldiers and a drone strike on June 20 that killed one, in addition to other non-fatal attacks, including an explosive drone attack that wounded 13 soldiers.

The New US-Israel-Lebanon Deal

The newly signed agreement brings clarity to the situation, which had previously been obscured by the MoU. The deal is seen as an attempt to align the interests of the US and Israel regarding Lebanon. A key element is the US agreement to improve the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and support its operations against Hezbollah.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's top priority is to restore national sovereignty, which the Jerusalem Post reports means reining in Hezbollah and disarming it. The deal is expected to support this goal.

Israel's Retaliatory Actions

Israel has characterized its retaliatory actions as self-defense against clear Hezbollah violations of the ceasefire. Israel's posture is that it will not stand idle in the face of attacks, and its military responses are intended to deter further aggression.

Netanyahu's Leadership

In a separate Jerusalem Post opinion piece, Ben Caspit argues that while the Israel-Lebanon agreement is the "lesser evil" and the right move given the alternative of bloody stagnation, Netanyahu's handling of it has raised serious questions. During a Saturday press conference, Netanyahu marketed the agreement to appease the Right and delivered a monologue described as "completely insane." Caspit reported Netanyahu's claims about haredi hesder yeshivas and conscription, which Caspit asserts include false claims. The criticism of Netanyahu's erratic presentation and call for unity is a theme that the piece discusses at length.

Historical Precedent

The Jerusalem Post's coverage notes a historical precedent: the last attempt at a Lebanon deal ended with the assassination of Lebanese president Gemayel in 1982. This historical fact is brought up as a cautionary reference to the fragility of such agreements.

Perspectives

Netanyahu's Perspective

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presents the deal as a necessary step that, despite its imperfections, is preferable to the status quo. He portrays his government's actions as focused on self-defense against Hezbollah's violations, and he attempts to rally unity at home, calling for public support for the agreement.

Netanyahu's Critics

Ben Caspit, writing in the Jerusalem Post, argues that while the agreement is a "lesser evil," Netanyahu's rhetoric and behavior have undermined it. He claims that Netanyahu made false claims and engaged in erratic behavior, raising doubts about his ability to lead effectively. Caspit suggests that the deal's success may be jeopardized by Netanyahu's handling of the national narrative.

Hezbollah's Perspective (Inferred from reporting)

Although no direct statement from Hezbollah is included, the Jerusalem Post's reporting indicates that Hezbollah has acted on a willingness to violate the ceasefire, as evidenced by its attacks on Israeli forces. Its actions contradict the terms of the MoU, as the ceasefire explicitly included Lebanon and Israel.

Summary

The US-Israel-Lebanon agreement represents a new, deeper effort to bring stability to Lebanon and counter Hezbollah, but it remains to be seen whether it can overcome the challenges that have plagued prior efforts. The immediate hurdles are Israeli's determination to retaliate against Hezbollah's continued attacks and the Lebanese government's capacity to assert sovereignty. As the 60-day window for broader negotiations unfolds, the decisions taken by both sides will likely determine the success of this fragile peace.