Israel Freezes Sensitive Military Actions in Southern Lebanon at US Request Amid Rising US-Iran Tensions

The Israeli political leadership has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to halt all sensitive operations in southern Lebanon following a request from the United States, as reported on Friday evening by Kan News. This directive remains in effect until further notice and pending developments in the current escalation between the US and Iran, as well as ongoing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.

US officials, concerned about the escalating conflict with Iran, have expressed fears that Israel might become involved in the confrontation. A security source stated that Israel is prepared to respond to any Iranian attack with significant retaliatory strikes. However, due to the White House's request, the IDF has been ordered to hold back to prevent the conflict from expanding to Israeli territory.

Additionally, the IDF is expected to begin withdrawing from pilot areas in southern Lebanon as early as next week. Concurrently, further talks between Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to take place in Rome. The US Ambassador to Israel, Haim Leitner, will lead the Israeli delegation in these negotiations alongside the team involved in previous discussions with Lebanon.

In related developments, senior IDF officers recently met with high-ranking Egyptian military officials in Cairo. Meanwhile, Israeli Finance Minister Eli Cohen stated readiness to renew military operations against Iran if necessary, even for a third time.