ALBAWABA - Israel is closely following the development toward a possible agreement between the U.S. and Iran amid rising fears within Israel's political and security establishment that the impending accord may not satisfy major Israeli security interests.
Israeli security sources say military planners are preparing for the possibility that the government may order a halt to ground operations in southern Lebanon to prevent damaging diplomatic efforts underway between Washington and Teheran.
There have been rising signs in recent days of an imminent announcement of a deal but Israeli soldiers have continued military operations. Units operating in southern Lebanon have apparently advanced into crucial positions near Nabatieh, an area where Israeli sources say there is infrastructure associated with Iranian-backed military networks.
But authorities say this phase could be the last opportunity to enhance military activity before a wider de-escalation comes into force, in support of ongoing diplomatic talks.
Israeli security officials also argued that any future arrangement is unlikely to affect areas currently controlled by Israeli forces within what they call a security zone in southern Lebanon. The matter is expected to figure high on the agenda during forthcoming negotiations between Lebanese and Israeli authorities.
At the same time, criticism of the potential accord is building in Israel. Political and security officials feel the framework being discussed does not do enough to combat Iran’s missile capabilities and its assistance for allied organizations across the region, reports say.
Israeli media claimed that senior officials are increasingly viewing the potential agreement as detrimental to Israel’s interests, while conceding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has little control over the negotiations taking place between Washington and Tehran.
The Israeli security cabinet is set to convene in extraordinary session to evaluate the potential fallout from the deal and decide on Israel’s future moves.
Conflicting reports are still swirling about when a prospective signing could happen. While some officials have suggested an announcement could come within days, others maintain that negotiations remain ongoing and several issues have yet to be finalized.
Leaked materials say the first phase of the planned understanding would aim to cease military operations and restore maritime traffic via the Strait of Hormuz. Israeli officials have highlighted that Israel is not a signatory to the accord, and will retain the ability to respond to any security threats in collaboration with its partners.
Israeli leaders are considering how a potential U.S.-Iran agreement may affect regional security and the future of military operations along Lebanon’s southern border as diplomatic momentum grows.
