Why is Israel jeopardising the ceasefire? | The Economist

TL;DR

Netanyahu struck Lebanon during the Iran-US ceasefire to appear strong domestically, risking his alliance with Trump and regional peace.

Key Points

• 1.Israel launched its deadliest strikes on Lebanon during the Iran-US ceasefire pause. On April 8th, Israeli strikes hit densely populated Lebanese targets, killing at least 300 people — the deadliest day in Lebanon since the war began — despite Pakistan-brokered truce terms that included Lebanon.
• 2.Netanyahu's domestic political survival is driving the escalation. Israeli public support for the war has declined, opposition parties are criticizing his conduct, and Netanyahu needs to convince voters Israel won both the Iran and Lebanon conflicts ahead of elections — making looking strong a priority over diplomacy.
• 3.Israel risks going from America's partner to its scapegoat. Excluded from Iran-US negotiations, Netanyahu's strikes jeopardize his friendship with Trump — a major electoral asset — while senior US officials have already expressed reservations about his war plans, and Israeli troops remain in southern Lebanon despite ceasefire pressure.