Maariv Warns of Possible Forced Israeli Withdrawal from Lebanon Amid Regional Shifts
The Hebrew newspaper Maariv has warned that recent approaches by Benjamin Netanyahu could ultimately lead to a scenario in which the United States forces Israel to withdraw from Lebanon without obtaining any political or military concessions. The newspaper emphasized that such a situation could carry severe consequences for Israel’s regional standing.
Referring to developments in West Asia over recent weeks, Maariv wrote that the balance of power in the region has undergone strategic changes, weakening Israel’s position compared to the past. According to the newspaper, Israel, previously recognized as the dominant regional actor, has now lost the ability to decisively influence major regional trends.
The report further stated that the “understanding memorandum between the US and Iran” has strengthened Tehran’s position at the regional level. Maariv also referred to the Strait of Hormuz, noting that US military efforts to ensure the reopening of this strategic waterway have not achieved the desired results, affecting the regional equations.
The newspaper attributed part of this situation to Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies. According to this analysis, Netanyahu, by persuading US President Donald Trump of the possibility of toppling the Iranian regime, raised expectations; however, the failure to achieve this goal called into question any other potential gains from the war.
Maariv predicted that Netanyahu might exploit potential tensions on the Lebanese front to disrupt the negotiation process—a move that, according to the newspaper, could lead to increased casualties for the Israeli army and heightened insecurity in northern Israel.
In conclusion, the media outlet pessimistically wrote that following recent failures, it is possible that no American official will be willing in the future to confront Iran directly, leaving Israel feeling isolated in such circumstances.
