Netanyahu Sets Israel's Red Line in Lebanon in Message to Washington

The controversy sparked by Naftali Bennett, leader of the "Unity" party, regarding restrictions on the Israeli army's movements in southern Lebanon has brought internal disagreements over the management of the Lebanese file back into focus.

At the same time as Bennett's statements, Hebrew reports revealed a firm Israeli message sent to Washington, affirming that Tel Aviv will not comply with any demands to withdraw its troops from Lebanon as long as Hezbollah continues to pose a threat.

Following Bennett's pressure, which compelled both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz to repeatedly respond to his claims that soldiers stationed in Lebanon were "handcuffed"—a claim echoed from the field—the political leadership issued a new written directive stating that the Israeli army will respond to any threat that emerges on the ground.

According to the newspaper Israel Hayom, this new directive, alongside Netanyahu’s and Katz’s public remarks, combines tightened political restrictions on dealing with field developments with operational freedom to confront immediate threats that Israeli forces in southern Lebanon might face at any moment.

While Bennett reiterated accusations that soldiers operate under constraints preventing them from taking initiative, Netanyahu reaffirmed that the Israeli army will continue to act decisively to protect civilians and soldiers.

In response to complaints from Israeli soldiers reported in the media, measures were intensified between the Chief of Staff and forces on the ground, taking into account Israel’s desire to avoid a direct confrontation with the United States and to maintain relations with Washington.

The newspaper reported that Netanyahu sent a direct message to U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that he would be unable to implement any instructions regarding troop withdrawal from Lebanon and advising the White House against issuing such directives to avoid political clashes.

Ministers in Netanyahu’s government described Bennett’s remarks as "populist," considering that he does not take existing political restrictions seriously.

Israel conveyed this message through its ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, during renewed talks with Lebanon in Washington. The message emphasized that Israel’s red line is the withdrawal of forces from Lebanon as long as Hezbollah poses a direct threat.

Leiter stated, "Israel strongly hopes for the success of the memorandum of understanding. We all support President Trump’s vision to ensure that Iran does not possess nuclear capabilities, ballistic missiles, or funding means for its proxies. But I fear that the concept of 'de-escalation' is misplaced."

He added that Israel is not in conflict with Lebanon and that coordination is the only requirement, stressing that the sole problem is Hezbollah, which must be removed from the equation.

Leiter continued, "There is a danger that Hezbollah has emerged stronger and bolder. We agreed on a ceasefire on the condition that Hezbollah withdraws northward. Is this agreement still in place? We cannot commit to understandings that are fading."

He emphasized that Israel will act against any direct and changing threat targeting its citizens and soldiers.

The Israeli-Lebanese talks in Washington are scheduled to continue for three days, including meetings at both political and military levels, amid U.S. efforts to reach long-term security arrangements along the border between the two sides.