Israel has decided to withdraw from parts of Lebanon ahead of a summit meeting with the United States. The decision came after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Israel's attack on Lebanon. The move removes an obstacle ahead of the resumption of negotiations on a ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran.
According to Israeli media outlet Ynet on Friday, Israel is preparing to hand over two areas in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese army under the MOU between the United States and Iran. However, Israel will maintain control over the remaining territory within the security zone until Hezbollah disarms. Israeli officials are verifying the Lebanese army's readiness to enter and awaiting approval from the U.S. Central Command.
Trump previously said that when the situation deteriorated after Israel attacked Lebanon during ceasefire negotiations with Iran on the first of last month, he unleashed criticism at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him "ungrateful" and "crazy." However, in an interview with the U.S. Fox News program "Sunday Briefing" on Thursday, Netanyahu stressed, "I don't think there is a rift (with the United States)," adding, "We have the same goal. We want Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons program and dismantle its nuclear fuel enrichment facilities."
On the same day, Israel's Channel 14 reported that the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had created a new unit called "Mukhtar" to attack senior figures including Trump. The unit is reportedly cooperating with Mexican drug cartels and Iranians abroad for assassination operations.
The creation of the new Revolutionary Guard unit is in retaliation for the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. As Khamenei's funeral continued for a third day, Iranians are demanding revenge. Hardline newspapers that day also unanimously called for the punishment of those responsible, stressing that "revenge is the people's right and officials' duty."
