With reports that U.S. President Donald Trump has shared Iran's draft ceasefire agreement with Israel, analysts say it will be difficult for Israel to agree. One reason the United States has agonized over the deal until the last minute is to find a way to persuade Israel, they say. Israel is launching an all-out offensive not only on Lebanon, Iran's "Achilles' heel," but also on the Palestinian Gaza Strip.
On Wednesday, local time, the British daily The Guardian reported that the United States had shared the draft agreement with Israel, noting that the draft is difficult for Israel to accept, as it pushes Iran's firm nuclear-related commitments to a later date and includes a ceasefire with Lebanon.
Indeed, Israel resumed airstrikes on Lebanon that day, undeterred by reports that the draft agreement included halting attacks on Lebanon. The Israeli military said it had carried out airstrikes on the southern outskirts of Beirut. According to Lebanese media, the strikes that day targeted Choueifat, near Beirut International Airport. Footage filmed in the area showed white smoke rising from an apartment building.
It was the first time in about three weeks, since the 6th, that the Israeli military had struck Beirut. Although the Israeli military had continued armed clashes with Hezbollah even after the ceasefire took effect in mid-last month, it had refrained from striking Beirut amid pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has entered ceasefire negotiations with Iran. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the 25th ordered the Israeli military to "press the (accelerator) pedal harder," instructing them to intensify the offensive targeting Hezbollah. Since then, Israeli ground forces deployed in southern Lebanon have been expanding operations beyond the Yellow Line, the buffer zone designated along the border.
Meanwhile, according to local media Israel Hayom, it was belatedly revealed that Israel's intelligence agency Mossad established a secret unit in 2021 for infiltration operations against Iran. Citing sources, the outlet reported that Mossad chief David Barnea "believes that if the United States does not sign an agreement allowing Iran's economic recovery and the blockade continues, Iran could collapse by the end of 2026."
The intense bombardment of the Gaza Strip also continued. According to Reuters, Netanyahu that day ordered the Israeli military to secure 70% of the Gaza Strip.
