Illustrative image. (Israeli Defense Forces)
The Israeli military has been instructed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz to “hold its fire” in Lebanon, Channel 12 news reported on June 20.
The instruction comes following “coordination between the political echelon and the United States,” the news channel said, adding that the military will not withdraw from southern Lebanon.
Earlier, after launching strikes on Hezbollah in response to attacks on troops, the Israeli military said it was “committed to the ceasefire agreement in accordance with the directives of the political echelon and will continue to act to remove any threat to the State of Israel and IDF troops.”
The Israeli decision came right after Iran’s central military command announced that it has once again closed the vital Strait of Hormuz over Israel’s strikes in Lebanon.
“It is hereby announced that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to vessel traffic; It is noted that this first step is a response to the enemy’s breach of promise, and if the aggression continues, further steps will be planned and taken to force the enemy to comply with its obligations,” says the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters in a statement carried by state TV.
In a separate statement, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said that the move was a response to “U.S. breaches of commitments in implementing the ceasefire” and “Israeli attacks in Lebanon.”
The force warned all vessels against approaching the Strait of Hormuz, saying that their security could be endangered if they ignored the warning.
Responding, the U.S. Central Command said in a statement that commercial ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz increased during the day, adding that its forces remain “present and vigilant” near the strategic waterway — a chokepoint for around 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
“U.S. forces remain present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to, obeyed, and in full force and effect,” the command said in the statement.
It is highly doubtful that the Israeli military will actually hold its fire against Hezbollah. In fact, shortly after Channel 12’s report, Israeli strikes hit the strategic Ali al-Taher height in southern Lebanon — a key position the IDF has been trying to capture for nearly a week.
This escalation appears to be a deliberate attempt to sabotage the agreement signed earlier this week between the U.S. and Iran, which requires the cessation of all hostilities in Lebanon.
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