Krieg im Nahen Osten: Israel warnt libanesische Bevölkerung vor Rückkehr in den Süden – Tages-Anzeiger

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Special Zones and the Lebanese Army in Dibbine

The diplomatic breakthrough in Washington aims to dismantle the military infrastructure of Hezbollah through a phased disarmament process. A critical component of this agreement involves the creation of special zones in the south, where the Lebanese army will assume full security control to prevent the militia’s resurgence. The transition has already begun on the ground. On Thursday, the Lebanese army moved into the village of Dibbine immediately following the withdrawal of Israeli forces. This movement represents a tangible shift in sovereignty, though the stability of these zones remains precarious. The hope for peace is clashing violently with the physical reality of the conflict’s aftermath. In Tyre, the devastation at the Jabal-Amel Hospital serves as a grim reminder of the stakes. Israeli strikes targeting nearby residential blocks sent shockwaves through the facility, shattering windows and destroying critical medical equipment in the intensive care unit. Over 80 patients and staff members were injured in the blast. For those on the ground, the ceasefire feels less like a diplomatic victory and more like a fragile pause. “That is unacceptable! This is a crime!” Khalil Mustafa, hospital employee U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken a personal lead in managing the Lebanese crisis, framing the ceasefire as a necessity for all parties. Washington’s perspective is clear: Hezbollah is viewed not only as an adversary to Israel but as a burden to the Lebanese people themselves.

The “Fucking Crazy” Phone Call

While the public-facing diplomacy suggests alignment, the private relationship between the White House and the Israeli Prime Minister is fraying. In a revealing interview on the Pod Force One podcast, President Donald Trump admitted to a caustic exchange with Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call this past Monday. Trump confirmed that he described the Prime Minister as “fucking crazy” during the discussion regarding the conflict with Hezbollah. The outburst was triggered by Trump’s frustration with Netanyahu’s persistent argumentative stance toward Lebanon, which the President suggested was hindering the path to a resolution. Despite the insult, Trump attempted to downplay the rift, insisting that he respects Netanyahu and maintains a productive working relationship with him. This volatile mix of personal affection and professional exasperation characterizes the current U.S.-Israel axis: a partnership held together by shared goals but strained by fundamentally different temperaments.

Iran’s Nuclear Concessions and the Khamenei Factor

The ceasefire in Lebanon is only one piece of a larger, more ambitious puzzle. Trump has signaled that the conflict with Iran—which began on February 28 with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes—has reached a turning point. He characterized the campaign as a success, claiming that the forces of the Gulf state have been defeated. The most significant claim involves a potential nuclear breakthrough. Trump asserted that Tehran has agreed to renounce nuclear weapons as part of ongoing negotiations. While Tehran has historically maintained that its nuclear program is strictly for civilian use, Trump claims this agreement is now a reality. “They have already agreed that they will not possess nuclear weapons” Donald Trump, U.S. President Trump also indicated that Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, is fully integrated into the discussions to end hostilities. Although Trump has not yet met with Khamenei, he expressed a desire to do so as the situation evolves, noting reports that the leader’s health is poor but his support for the negotiations remains firm.

The November Election Clock

The urgency behind these diplomatic pushes is not merely strategic—it is political. The war with Iran has caused significant volatility in global energy markets and has become an unpopular liability within the United States. With the Congressional elections approaching in November, the White House is under immense pressure to deliver a “win” that stabilizes both the economy and the region. The administration is essentially racing against the calendar. The goal is to transform a costly military engagement into a historic diplomatic achievement before voters head to the polls. “We are working on an agreement” Donald Trump, U.S. President However, the President has left a door open for escalation. He warned that if a comprehensive agreement cannot be reached, the United States will be forced to pursue “another way.” This ultimatum suggests that the current period of diplomacy is a final attempt at a negotiated settlement before the White House pivots back to a more aggressive posture. The next 30 days will determine if the “special zones” in Lebanon and the nuclear promises from Tehran are the foundation of a new regional order or merely a temporary facade maintained for the sake of an American election cycle.