IDF Lebanon campaign could outlast Iran air campaign — Israel preparing regional partners for longer war

The Financial Times reported, citing people briefed on Israeli government discussions, that Israel's campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon could continue beyond the conclusion of the US-Israeli air campaign against Iran. An Israeli security official told the FT that 'most of the air assets are being used' on the Iran front, explaining why the Lebanon ground operation has so far remained limited to areas close to the border rather than involving a major push further north. Israel's aim in Lebanon is 'to inflict enough damage that there is not this constant fear of having to evacuate the northern residents,' one source said. An Arab diplomat confirmed the strategic signal: 'The Israelis are preparing international players for the prospect that the war with Hezbollah could drag on and last longer than the war with Iran.' This is a significant strategic disclosure — it means Israel does not intend to return to the pre-October 7 status quo with Hezbollah regardless of what happens with Iran. The Lebanon war is a separate, longer-term project. Israel's ambassador to France confirmed on the same day that he is 'not aware of any decision from Israel to negotiate an end to its conflict' with Hezbollah — reinforcing the FT report.