Israel Urges Lebanon to Block Hezbollah Amid Possible Renewed Conflict with Iran
Israel has asked the Lebanese government, via U.S. mediation, to redeploy troops and set up roadblocks to prevent Hezbollah from joining a potential new war with Iran, while Israeli air strikes on Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon have increased.
Israel has requested that Lebanon, through American mediators, take measures to stop Hezbollah from opening a new front if hostilities with Iran resume. The request includes redeploying Lebanese army units and establishing roadblocks in areas where Hezbollah members reside, according to the public broadcaster Kan.
An Israeli security source told Kan that Beirut was warned any Hezbollah involvement in a fresh conflict with Iran would trigger renewed fighting in Lebanon. The warning follows recent direct talks between Israel and Iran.
The Israeli Air Force has stepped up strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon over the past three weeks, focusing on locations where the Lebanese army has not yet been deployed.
Kan reported that Israeli officials believe U.S. President Donald Trump could order new strikes against Iran in the coming days. In preparation, Israel has consulted with several Gulf states, including the Abraham Accords signatories. Senior officials from the Israel Defense Forces and U.S. Central Command also met to coordinate, and a joint U.S.-Israeli operation targeting Iranian nuclear and energy facilities is being considered.
"We are taking steps to ensure that Hezbollah does not open a new front," an Israeli official said.
"Any involvement by Hezbollah would lead to a resumption of fighting in Lebanon," the security source added.