It is clear that Israel’s decision aims to create a security zone, as shown by its scorched-earth tactics and systematic destruction under unprecedented U.S. support, along with a direct supply route from Washington to Tel Aviv providing Israel with the latest military technology. The United States and Israel are fully aligned in their goal of eliminating Hezbollah, something former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously confirmed.

Former Lebanese ambassador to Washington Antoine Chedid told Annahar, responding to Iranian assurances to Speaker of the Parliament of Lebanon Nabih Berri that it will remain in Lebanon, "This is evident in Iran’s insistence on keeping its ambassador in Lebanon despite decisions by the Lebanese Cabinet, the state, and the Foreign Minister. I believe Israel will continue its mission, particularly the security zone stretching from Gaza to Lebanon and Syria, and it will not withdraw or stop the battles even if the war between Iran and America comes to a halt."

He added, "The U.S. President will not end the war against Iran until he achieves the objectives he has set. There is a clear roadmap he is following, including a planned meeting with the Chinese President to achieve a milestone, all leading up to the midterm elections and satisfying American public opinion. This shows he will not accept failure or deviate from the plan regarding Iran."

Is it possible to separate the Lebanese issue from the Iranian issue if negotiations take place between Tehran and Washington? Chidiac answers that "Israel will continue its military operations, and we will witness difficult and harsh days, whether in Iran or Lebanon. Systematic destruction, military policies, and all of Israel’s assassinations will continue in an escalating manner, reaching the security zone. We are entering a new phase on all levels, and these are the options available today. There is no room for diplomacy before Washington and Israel achieve their objectives."

In this context, one of the top officials at the U.S. State Department, Ernest Haddad, told Annahar: "There is a separation between the Iranian and Lebanese issues, and U.S. support for Israel continues, regardless of any negotiations that may take place between Washington and Tehran. This support is among the most significant in all successive administrations at the White House for Tel Aviv, aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s military machine and ending its arsenal, in line with the current plan that enjoys American consensus. On this basis, even if the war between Iran and the United States stops, it will continue in Lebanon to establish a security zone. The two tracks are clearly separate, but the United States will continue its support for Israel at the highest levels. In the coming days, we will witness more ground operations, meaning that the level of ground invasions will increase to establish the security zone, with surprises coming from land, sea, and air on multiple fronts. After this war, things cannot return to the way they were regarding Iran, nor on the Hezbollah front."

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Annahar