Lebanon deal brokered by Trump sparks Hezbollah threat of civil war

President Donald Trump brokered an agreement between the Lebanese government and Israel that lets Israeli troops remain in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms and the Lebanese army regains control. Hezbollah was excluded from the talks and warned it would block the pact, saying it could trigger a new civil war.

Critics, including political scientist Hilal Khashan, called the terms unequal, noting Lebanon “has no choice and no cards to play.” The deal is tied to broader U.S.–Iran negotiations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Since March, Israeli strikes have killed about 4,000 people and injured 12,000 in Lebanon. Dennis Citrinowicz warned that “Lebanon has become the principal spoiler for a broader regional agreement.”