Israeli analyst: The recent escalation in Lebanon is an initiative that serves Netanyahu's interests.

The Israeli military analyst Amos Harel saw that the recent escalation in Lebanon is an Israeli initiative that serves the interests of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and enjoys the support of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Harel said: "Washington is making strenuous efforts to impose a new reality in Lebanon, and perhaps believes that demonstrating Israel's seriousness is enough to break the deadlock in negotiations."

Harel added that "a ceasefire is a relative term, and practically, Israel has resumed its attacks since the first day (of the ceasefire at the end of 2024) almost, primarily targeting Hezbollah elements and its weapon systems deployed south of the Litani River."

Harel noted that "the prevailing impression was that the new Lebanese government and the current leadership of the Lebanese army were ready to confront Hezbollah and insist on continuing to disarm it, an effort that received a strong boost from Israel's successes in the war."

However, Harel remarked: "In recent months, assessments have become more pessimistic, the efforts of the Lebanese army have stalled, and Hezbollah has rushed to rearm itself on both sides of the Litani River."

Referring to Israel's assassination of Hezbollah's chief of staff Haitham al-Tabtabaei, Harel said that "the developments on Sunday in Lebanon are also linked to what is happening on other fronts."

Harel added: "But, as is customary with Netanyahu, it is also impossible to ignore how politically convenient these moves are for him."

Harel emphasized: "It is no coincidence that he (Netanyahu) heightened tensions with the Syrian government through a provocative visit to the Syrian side of the Golan Heights last week."

Harel concluded by saying: "The outbreak of fires at varying heights on multiple fronts helps Netanyahu control the public discourse and paves the way for the atmosphere he wants in the upcoming election campaign."