According to assessments in the Israeli media, following the agreement reached between Iran and the US, Israel’s military actions in Southern Lebanon may come under stricter supervision. The new situation reportedly carries the possibility of narrowing Tel Aviv’s operational scope on the ground.
Channel 13 reported that during a tense meeting between US Vice President JD Vance and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Vance conveyed that Israel should reduce its military activities in Lebanon. The same report emphasized that Washington is not currently demanding a withdrawal from Israel but will closely review every military move.
According to the report, Vance requested a reduction of Israel’s military presence in Southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israel insisted on maintaining control over the areas secured during its recent ground operation.
Evaluations shared by Axios and Channel 12 also noted that withdrawal from Southern Lebanon is not a direct condition of the Iran agreement. These sources stated that Israel reserves the right to respond if Hezbollah launches an attack.
New directives altering the Israeli army’s conduct on the ground have also emerged during this process. Channel 14 reported that the army issued guidelines banning preemptive fire and permitting force only in cases of clear and immediate threats.
These directives are said to be more restrictive than previous engagement rules and resemble practices applied in the occupied Palestinian territories. The same report claimed that Israeli forces are acting more cautiously and reducing their time spent in open areas.
It is noted that the Israeli army currently does not plan to withdraw from checkpoints in Southern Lebanon. According to Channel 12, the army continues operations in the so-called buffer zone and is preparing to remain in the area for at least another sixty days.
Yediot Aharonot, citing cabinet members, reported that pressure to withdraw from Southern Lebanon has not yet yielded results. The report stated that the current agreement does not include a clear American commitment to end Israel’s presence in this region.
Conversely, some circles suggest that emphasizing respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty could strengthen future demands for Israel to end its military presence in the south. According to Israeli media, if the ceasefire becomes permanent and security concerns diminish, this pressure may increase.
