Netanyahu faces diplomatic isolation as Trump acknowledges Hezbollah amid stalled de-escalation
FRANCE 24 reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been left in a politically vulnerable position after President Donald Trump formally acknowledged Hezbollah, a move described as an “utter humiliation” for the Israeli leader.
Military hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border continued on Tuesday, with Israeli forces maintaining strikes in southern Lebanon while Iran-backed Hezbollah launched attacks against Israeli troops. These operations proceeded despite the existence of an apparent Washington-brokered de-escalation deal and the ongoing fourth round of US-hosted talks between the two nations.
The persistence of violence has highlighted a significant fracture in diplomatic alignment between Washington and Jerusalem. According to FRANCE 24’s Jerusalem correspondent, Noga Tarnopolsky, there has been no formal acknowledgment of the de-escalation arrangement from the Israeli side. This silence stands in stark contrast to the diplomatic engagement occurring in the United States, where negotiations are actively being hosted.
Compounding the diplomatic strain for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the stance taken by US President Donald Trump. In a development that has drawn sharp criticism within Israeli political circles, President Trump acknowledged Hezbollah as a relevant actor in the region. Tarnopolsky characterised this recognition as an “utter humiliation” for Netanyahu, suggesting it undermines Israel’s strategic narrative and leaves the Prime Minister politically exposed.
The situation underscores the fragility of the current ceasefire efforts. While the de-escalation deal is described as apparent, its enforceability remains unclear due to the lack of public acceptance from Israeli officials. The continued military activity suggests that either the terms of the deal are not binding on all parties or that Israel is operating outside the framework of the proposed truce.
As the fourth round of talks continues, the divergence between US diplomatic recognition of Hezbollah and Israel’s refusal to engage with the de-escalation framework presents a complex challenge for regional stability. The incident marks a notable point of friction in US-Israel relations, with the White House’s engagement with Hezbollah directly contradicting the security posture maintained by the Netanyahu government.
