US and Israels conflicting interests in Iran and Lebanon emerge

US Imposes Ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon, Leaving Israel Uninvolvement

A three-week extension to the ceasefire in Lebanon was announced by President Donald Trump on Thursday, with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner set to meet with Iranian officials in Pakistan. The move has sparked concerns among Israeli analysts that the outcome of the conflicts in Lebanon and Iran may be determined more by the US than Israel’s own leaders.

Israel is currently engaged in two semi-frozen conflicts: one in Lebanon, where it has repeatedly violated the ceasefire, and another with Iran. Despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s repeated calls for war against both countries, analysts suggest that Trump continues to have significant influence over events.

Netanyahu had previously called for a war on Iran, which was eventually launched by the US at the end of February. However, the conclusion of that war now appears to be out of his control. Observers note that Netanyahu’s attempts to steer Washington on both issues were hubristic and opportunistic.

Former Israeli government adviser Daniel Levy stated that Netanyahu’s backing of Trump’s policies is partly driven by a desire to believe in Israel’s own capabilities and the combined efforts of Israel and the US. However, this approach has exposed Netanyahu to domestic political jeopardy.

A recent poll by the Israel Democracy Institute showed that Jewish Israeli respondents overwhelmingly supported continuing the conflict with Lebanon, even if it led to friction with the US. The ceasefire with Iran was also unpopular within Israel, with two-thirds of Israelis opposing the pause in operations.

Analysts note that public confidence in the Israeli government’s ability to call the shots is low, and uncertainty over a future determined by an erratic US president has become increasingly common. The US is seen as the stronger partner, with Washington ultimately shaping the course of events.

Source: Al Jazeera