Netanyahu Says War on Lebanon would not End Even with Deal with Iran

RunWithRugs · 2026-04-03T14:11:11+00:00

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu told US officials that any agreement with Iran won't affect Israel's operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. He rejected a French proposal to pause attacks, asserting Israel's aim to enhance security by pushing Hezbollah back. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

RunWithRugs

2026-04-03 14:11:11

Abstract generation in progress

(MENAFN) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told senior US officials that any future agreement between Washington and Tehran would not halt Israel’s war in Lebanon, according to a report Monday.

Netanyahu reportedly conveyed the message during recent closed-door talks with senior officials in US President Donald Trump’s administration. He stated that any deal reached between the United States and Iran would not apply to the Lebanese front.

“Israel will continue to take advantage of the opportunity to eliminate Hezbollah even if there is an agreement between Trump and Iranian officials,” the report said.

Netanyahu also rejected a French proposal to suspend the war against Hezbollah in exchange for French President Emmanuel Macron’s commitment to help resolve the situation. He believes Israel can now significantly improve its security by pushing Hezbollah beyond the Litani River.

A senior Israeli official cited in the report said the United States had accepted Israel’s position, adding, “Lebanon does not matter to President Trump.”

Israel has carried out airstrikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon since a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2. Lebanese authorities reported at least 1,247 people killed and 3,690 injured in the attacks.

The escalation coincides with a joint US-Israeli offensive on Iran, which has claimed more than 1,340 lives since Feb. 28, while Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and US bases in Gulf countries.

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