Why are Iranian hardliners against the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire?
Last Updated on December 3, 2024 5:26 am
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah as a strategic move against Iran. In this context, fears of a possible military threat to Tehran are growing.
Some hardliners in Iran have expressed concern that a de-escalation of tensions on the Lebanese border in northern Israel could further strengthen Israel’s position against Iran.
A hardline analyst close to the Iranian government told Middle East Eye (MEE) that when the Israeli government declares Iran the main target of a ceasefire in Lebanon, it is clear that we will have to confront Israel, whether we like it or not.
Israel can now shift its focus from the Lebanese border to dealing with the situation in Gaza and possibly encouraging the US to take more aggressive action against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
After the Israeli offensive in Gaza began, Hezbollah and its regional allies formed a strategic alliance to support Hamas. But the wider war in Lebanon made it difficult to maintain the Hezbollah front in Gaza.
Israeli bombings in southern Lebanon have killed more than 3,900 people and displaced more than a million.
Israel’s opportunity and Iran’s concerns
According to conservative foreign policy experts in Iran, the ceasefire agreement has given Israel a temporary reprieve, allowing it to act more aggressively in other areas, which could further escalate regional tensions.
However, Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), wrote in a letter to Hezbollah’s leadership that the ceasefire in Lebanon is a strategic and embarrassing defeat for the Israeli regime. It could be the beginning of the end of the war in Gaza.
Media Reaction
Most Iranian media outlets have portrayed the ceasefire as a credit to Hezbollah.
Iran’s conservative newspaper Kayhan cited Israel’s failure to advance into southern Lebanon and Hezbollah’s ability to resist as the main reasons for Israel’s defeat.
However, the reformist daily Itmad warned that the end of fighting on the Lebanese front would ease pressure on Israel and allow it to focus on Gaza.
Some analysts, however, see the ceasefire in Lebanon as a victory for Hezbollah, as it does not completely negate Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
Conservative journalist Sadeq Nikou said, “When the Lebanese people celebrate their victory with Hezbollah flags, how can we see this agreement as a defeat?”
It appears that the Lebanese ceasefire agreement has had mixed reactions for Iran. Because through this, the Israeli government can develop new strategies, which can increase tensions throughout the region.
Source: Middle East Eye