Will Lebanon be left behind in the upcoming U.S.-Iran security framework?

Bassel Doueik, Lebanon and Jordan researcher at ACLED, said: 

"The Israeli military escalated its attacks in Lebanon at a time when Iran and the U.S. are set to finalize a regional ceasefire agreement that is set to include Lebanon. Between 23 and 26 May, ACLED recorded at least 242 air/drone strike events across southern Lebanon, a 110% increase compared to the period between 19 and 22 May. This comes amid Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement that “Israel will intensify its attacks on Hezbollah," who have retaliated, by carrying out 30 events against Israeli forces also between 23 and 26 May. 

"During this time, Israel has also expanded military operations beyond the Litani River, as several Israeli Merkava tanks were spotted within the town of Zaoutar Charqiye, with the Israeli Defense Forces declaring the area south of the Zahrani River as an “active combat zone.” 

"Israel’s intensification of attacks in Lebanese territory comes ahead of a meeting between Israeli and Lebanese military delegations at the Pentagon today. The attacks are considered a pressure point against the Lebanese military delegation to extract additional concessions, as well as a response to Hezbollah’s successful FPV drone attacks against Israeli soldiers and vehicles in southern Lebanon and northern Israel. 

"Lebanon remains a key point of contention within the U.S.-Iran negotiations. However, the Israeli administration could potentially be successful in decoupling the Lebanon Front from the upcoming regional security framework, as negotiations continue with the Lebanese government."