Israel's army is preparing for a possible new offensive against Lebanon if fighting with Iran resumes, Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Friday.

Preparations on the northern border

Israeli forces are continuing operations along the Lebanon border, preparing positions and updating operational plans ahead of winter, the newspaper said. Israel's security establishment awaits a US decision on resuming military operations against Iran, and the situation could change rapidly, the report added. The United States and Israel launched a military offensive against Iran on 28 February, before a ceasefire was reached in April. Fighting resumed in July as diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement remained stalled.

Hezbollah and the second front

The report raises the prospect of renewed fighting on the Lebanese front if the confrontation with Tehran escalates. Earlier, the Israeli newspaper Maariv said the military was preparing to occupy three major southern Lebanese cities — Tyre, Sidon and Nabatieh — if war with Iran resumes and Hezbollah joins the fighting. Israeli assessments believe Tehran could activate several fronts at once, including Lebanon, Maariv reported. Lebanese ministerial sources told Asharq Al-Awsat they could not rule out another Israeli offensive, particularly if Hezbollah again enters the conflict for Iran.

Divisions in Jerusalem

Yedioth Ahronoth also reported disagreements over Iran inside Israel's leadership before last month's elections, with military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir clashing with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz over their push for action against Tehran. On 26 June, Lebanon and Israel signed a US-mediated framework agreement for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory in exchange for the Lebanese army taking over security there.