Israel is already preparing for a change in its military policy toward Lebanon. Officials in Jerusalem say that at no stage did Israel agree to stop operations in southern Lebanon, and that it intends to continue those operations up to the Litani River and maintain the security zone between Israel and Hezbollah.
At the same time, Israel is not ruling out stopping attacks deep inside Lebanon, describing that as a possible ceasefire.
At the Israeli cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not make clear throughout the session whether the military activity in Lebanon would be halted or not. As a result, ministers remained in the dark on that critical question even after the meeting ended.
Negotiations continue
The next meeting between Israel and Lebanon will most likely take place as early as next week in Washington, according to Israeli and American diplomatic sources. According to sources, the second meeting will map out the issues for discussion, chief among them border demarcation and the economic and civilian aspects of a possible agreement.
Under the American model, the IDF would not withdraw from the area, and notably, Lebanon has not demanded that, at least not immediately. Israel is linking the disarmament of the Hezbollah terrorist organization, as stipulated in the November 2024 agreement, to an Israel Defense Forces withdrawal and a full ceasefire. The meaning is that the Israel Defense Forces would continue operating against Hezbollah targets posing an immediate threat even deep inside Lebanese territory, while enjoying full freedom of action in the area south of the Litani.
Lebanon is, however, asking that Israel refrain from attacking civilian infrastructure throughout the country, including in southern Lebanon. Israel's response was that the targets being struck are those that help Hezbollah operate.
In addition, US President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social account that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon are expected to speak for the first time in 34 years.
