Israel’s Channel 12 news outlet published what it said were details from a “side letter” of guarantees that the US was providing to Israel, in which the US reportedly affirms and details Israel’s right to defend itself, highlighted in the Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire agreement, against renewed threats.
According to the report, the US will commit to providing Israel with intelligence information pertaining to violations of the terms of the ceasefire deal, and in particular, regarding any indication that Hezbollah is attempting to infiltrate the ranks of the Lebanese Army.
The letter also reportedly stresses the US’s commitment to working with Israel to prevent Iran from destabilizing the region, from establishing itself in Lebanon, and from undermining the accord directly or via proxies.
The US also confirms in the letter that Israel has the right to act in response to threats from inside Lebanon, “in accordance with international law,” Channel 12 reported.
The letter is reported to note that should the terms of the agreement be broken in southern Lebanon, Israel reserves the right to act at any time.
Beyond southern Lebanon, however, it will reportedly only be permitted to act in response to Hezbollah violating the ceasefire if the Lebanese Army is unable or unwilling to deal with the violations.
Should Israel feel it is required to take action in response to threats inside Lebanon, regardless of where, it will be required to notify the United States wherever possible, Channel 12 said the letter adds.
Finally, the report said, the letter confirms Israel’s right to conduct reconnaissance flights over Lebanon, for intelligence purposes, so long as they do not break the sound barrier.
