The Israeli military is reportedly preparing for the possibility that an emerging agreement between the United States and Iran could force it to scale back its campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to Hebrew media reports on Sunday.

It remained unclear whether any prospective U.S.-Iran understanding aimed at de-escalating regional tensions would include provisions directly affecting the fighting in Lebanon. In recent weeks, Israel’s operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group have been handled through separate diplomatic and military tracks in Washington.

The developments come as Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said on Saturday he hoped any agreement would include Lebanon, while reaffirming the group’s refusal to disarm. He also urged Lebanese authorities to abandon planned direct talks with Israel, ahead of a fourth round of negotiations next month, accusing Washington of failing to act as an “honest broker.”

Meanwhile, Israeli military Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir approved continued operational plans against Hezbollah following a situational assessment on Sunday, according to the Israeli military. During visits to the Northern Command and later to the headquarters of the 401st Armored Brigade, which has been operating in Lebanon, Zamir said the Israeli military was “determined to deepen the blow against Hezbollah.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to raise the possible inclusion of Lebanon in the emerging U.S.-Iran framework during a restricted security cabinet meeting later on Sunday, according to the Walla news site.

In his first remarks on the developing agreement, Netanyahu said he had received assurances from U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel would retain full freedom of action against security threats “on every front, including Lebanon.”

Citing officials familiar with the matter, Walla reported that Israel rejects a return to the pre-war status quo in Lebanon and is insisting on maintaining operational freedom in areas of southern Lebanon captured since fighting with Hezbollah resumed on March 2.

Those sources said Israel has conveyed to the United States its intention to maintain control over roughly seven to eight kilometers of territory inside Lebanese territory along the border.

Separately, Ynet reported that even if Washington and Tehran were to pressure Israel into halting its offensive in southern Lebanon, the Israeli military would continue efforts to clear Hezbollah operatives from the area.

Among the options under consideration, according to the report, is the establishment of permanent Israeli military outposts inside villages in southern Lebanon, effectively preventing both Hezbollah fighters and local residents from returning.

Security officials warned that allowing residents to return could increase risks to Israeli forces and nearby border communities.

Another option being examined is the expansion of targeted raids in southern Lebanon, enabling the Israeli military to maintain operational control without establishing permanent positions. A combination of both approaches is also being considered.

Despite these reported plans, Axios said that under the terms of the emerging U.S.-Iran arrangement, Israel would only be permitted to strike Hezbollah if the group initiates attacks or carries out hostile actions.

At the same time, Ynet reported that Israel’s Northern Command remains divided over strategy in Lebanon while awaiting a potential ceasefire scenario.

One view favors accelerating operations to achieve as many objectives as possible before any forced halt in fighting. The opposing view warns that such acceleration could prompt Hezbollah to escalate its own activity before a ceasefire takes effect.