Lead:
Israel has conveyed to Lebanon's government through American mediation that any Hezbollah involvement in a new confrontation with Iran would lead to renewed fighting on Lebanese soil, Kan reported. The warning came as Tel Aviv requested that the Lebanese Army redeploy and establish military barriers in areas where Hezbollah operates to restrict their movements. The message signals Israel's continued concern over potential regional escalation despite ongoing direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli representatives.
Details:
According to Kan's reporting, Israeli officials warned the Lebanese government that intense Iranian pressure could push Hezbollah to join a future military engagement, a scenario Tel Aviv described as incompatible with the ceasefire framework. The broadcaster cited a security source indicating that Israel has specifically asked the Lebanese military to reposition forces and erect checkpoints in Hezbollah-controlled zones to prevent any armed mobilization.
The Free Patriotic Movement, in a separate statement following its political council meeting chaired by Deputy Jibran Basil, called for urgent diplomatic action to address security concerns. The movement proposed creating an international deployment and enforcement force backed by United Nations Security Council resolution with permanent member participation to guarantee Israeli withdrawal, protect civilians, enable refugee return, facilitate reconstruction, and restore full Lebanese state authority over all territory—including exclusive state control of weapons and decision-making.
The movement indicated that Basil and party delegations would undertake steps to advance the proposal internationally. This position reflects domestic Lebanese concern that any security vacuum following potential UNIFIL withdrawal could create conditions for renewed conflict or state collapse in border regions.
Watch For:
— Whether Lebanese military command responds with concrete redeployment measures and whether such moves actually materialize or remain declarative.
— Timing and outcome of ongoing direct Lebanese-Israeli negotiations and whether either side signals movement toward a more formal ceasefire arrangement or confidence-building measures.
— International diplomatic response to the Free Patriotic Movement's proposal for a UN-mandated enforcement force and whether permanent Security Council members engage substantively.