Trump Pressures Netanyahu to 'Exercise Restraint' in Lebanon Until Vision with Iran Becomes Clear

Hebrew media reports revealed details of a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which Trump demanded the necessity of maintaining a state of containment on the northern front. During the call, Trump emphasized the importance of not taking steps that could lead to the collapse of the fragile ceasefire agreement in Lebanon during the current phase.

Sources clarified that the new American approach closely links de-escalation in Lebanon with the negotiation path that Washington intends to pursue with Iran. It appears that the White House seeks to exhaust all diplomatic opportunities with Tehran before allowing any widespread military escalation that could complicate regional affairs.

In contrast, Netanyahu tried during the conversation to obtain authorization to expand the Israeli army's freedom of movement in Lebanon, claiming to respond to immediate threats and protect soldiers. However, Trump clearly rejected these demands, insisting that the stability of the Lebanese front represents a strategic priority for his administration at the present time.

On the ground, the Israeli army announced on Tuesday morning that its soldiers had sustained injuries following a new drone attack in southern Lebanon. This incident comes after a series of targeted attacks that aimed at transporting wounded and nearly brought down a military helicopter in the border town of Taybeh.

Domestically, the ruling coalition in Israel faces a growing wave of anger from the heads of local authorities in northern settlements. These officials announced an open rebellion against government decisions by closing schools today, asserting that the security promises made by the political leadership do not translate into real security on the ground.

A recent poll conducted by the official Hebrew radio showed a state of pessimism in the Israeli street, with 57% of respondents believing that Israel has not achieved victory on any of the fighting fronts. The percentage of conviction in victory on the Lebanese front dropped to only 14%, reflecting an erosion of trust in the official narrative of the army and government.

For his part, Cabinet Minister Zeev Elkin tried to reassure the Israeli public through radio statements, claiming that Israel had succeeded in moving the Radwan forces away from the border. However, Elkin admitted that Hezbollah still possesses existing military capabilities, considering that future agreements with Lebanon and Iran may be in Israel's interest.

In Washington, Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the efforts to reach a permanent agreement with Lebanon as historic and unprecedented endeavors. Rubio indicated that the absence of a formal state of war between the two countries facilitates the task of reaching understandings that satisfy the majority of the Lebanese and Israeli peoples who desire peace.

Israeli analyses indicate that Netanyahu finds himself in a strategic dilemma, as he cannot oppose Trump's wishes, who places his political prestige in the balance of these negotiations. Netanyahu fears that Israel will appear as an obstacle to the new US administration's steps aimed at expanding the circle of normalization and the Abraham Accords.

Sources quoted Israeli security officials as saying that negotiations with Lebanon may contribute to increasing internal pressure on Hezbollah. However, estimates still indicate that the field situation in the north will remain volatile for a long time due to the Lebanese army's weak ability to curb armed factions.

In a related context, the newspaper 'Yedioth Ahronoth' considered that the current ceasefire agreement has turned into a complex strategic problem affecting Israel's deterrence prestige. The newspaper affirmed that the continued human and material bleeding in the north weakens Israel's negotiating position and fuels disagreements within the military establishment.

Channel 13 Hebrew addressed the technical failure in confronting Hezbollah's drone weapon, describing them as smart weapons that are difficult to detect with traditional radars. It explained that these drones are now capable of reaching any target in the north, making the internal front in a state of constant alert.

Despite optimistic statements from some international parties, estimates within the Israeli security establishment prevail that the negotiation path with Iran may end in failure. Analysts believe that the outbreak of a comprehensive confrontation on the Lebanese and Iranian fronts is only a matter of time, awaiting the outcome of intensive diplomatic moves.

In conclusion, the scene in southern Lebanon and northern Israel remains suspended between the pressures of the White House and Netanyahu's political ambitions, amidst a ground reality that imposes its own conditions. The coming days will determine whether the 'containment' demanded by Trump will withstand the increasing security challenges.

Trump rejected and insisted on the necessity of containing Israel and avoiding operations that would threaten the ceasefire now.