Netanyahu Says Israel-Hezbollah War Will Continue Despite Iran Peace Efforts

Speaking to CBS News on Sunday, Netanyahu said weakening Iran or fundamentally changing the balance of power in Tehran would ultimately lead to the collapse of Hezbollah, Hamas and Yemen's Houthi movement.

The Israeli leader declined to directly answer whether Israel would halt operations against Hezbollah if requested by US President Donald Trump as part of broader regional diplomacy involving Iran.

Israeli officials have repeatedly stated that military operations against Hezbollah are separate from ceasefire discussions and indirect negotiations taking place between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear programme and regional activities.

Iranian officials, however, have consistently argued that any broader regional ceasefire must also include an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Gaza alongside negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

The comments come as diplomatic efforts continue to reduce tensions following months of regional conflict involving Iran, Israel and armed groups allied with Tehran across Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq and Yemen.

Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged near-daily cross-border attacks since the Gaza war began, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation that could draw in Iran and other regional powers. Thousands of civilians on both sides of the Lebanon-Israel border have been displaced by the fighting.

The United States has continued supporting Israel militarily and diplomatically while simultaneously attempting to prevent further escalation across the Middle East through indirect talks with Iran and regional mediation efforts involving Gulf and European countries.

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