1. "Hey, Wake Up!"... Netanyahu in a State of Panic
I am reporting from Switzerland. I would like to discuss Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Local reports are now suggesting that Prime Minister Netanyahu is in a state of panic and has been deeply shocked. It may seem surprising that Netanyahu, who did not seem significantly shaken even when over 70,000 people lost their lives in Gaza due to Israeli attacks, is now in a panic, but the reason lies with the United States and Iran. The two countries, which are negotiating the details of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war, met here in Switzerland last weekend. In their first meeting, both sides agreed to establish a de-confliction cell to resolve the conflict between Israel and Lebanon. Iran has set several strict conditions for the nuclear disarmament negotiations that the U.S. desires, including the lifting of economic sanctions, permission for Iranian oil exports, and a permanent halt to attacks on Iranian territory. Another condition added to this list is the cessation of Israeli attacks on Lebanon. It is not just a temporary halt, but a permanent one. That is Article 1 of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding to end the war. Even after President Trump signed it, Israel continued to attack Lebanon without any regard. As you all know, this involved attacks on Hezbollah, which resulted in dozens of casualties. Iran has raised this issue, delaying the talks that were scheduled for last week by arguing, "How can we negotiate when even Article 1 is not being upheld?" The Trump administration, facing a barrage of criticism over the purpose of this war, is eager to secure at least one nuclear disarmament deal to finalize as much as possible before the midterm elections in the fall. Last week, Vice President J.D. Vance even issued a warning to an uncooperative Israel, telling them to "wake up."

[J.D. Vance / U.S. Vice President: The Israelis who think President Trump is the problem need to wake up and realize the reality that Israel is facing.]

Nevertheless, Israel remains steadfast in its intention to continue its presence in Lebanon and to keep attacking if necessary. Consequently, a consensus has emerged among the parties at the first U.S.-Iran meeting to address Israel before negotiating the nuclear issue in earnest. The purpose of the de-confliction cell is to provide a venue for the parties involved to consult and prevent clashes between Israel and Lebanon. This body includes the United States, Iran, and the mediators—Pakistan and Qatar—as well as Lebanon, the party directly involved. However, Israel is excluded from this group.

2. Why Is Israel Excluded While Pakistan, Qatar, and Lebanon Are Included?
Israel, the actual party to the conflict, has been left out of the de-confliction cell. Why? Simply put, Israel has been defined as a "conflict-instigating nation" and a "nation that hinders peace." Israel claims it is attacking Hezbollah in the name of self-defense, stating, "We are also suffering from Hezbollah's attacks." Indeed, soldiers have died, and there have been drone attacks. However, this is effectively labeling Israel as the primary culprit violating the ceasefire between the two countries. Think of it this way: if a military clash occurs in Lebanon, the de-confliction cell, without Israel, calls in the Lebanese representative to ask, "Hey, what happened here?" and "What did Israel do?" before reaching a conclusion. While they may listen to Israel's side, Iran, Pakistan, Qatar, Lebanon, and even the United States are unlikely to take Israel's word for it. Returning to the beginning, this is why reports are emerging locally that "Netanyahu is in a state of panic" and "has been deeply shocked."

3. "Without Me, You'd Be in Prison!" Netanyahu Holds Out Despite Trump's Pressure
Netanyahu, who encouraged Trump to go to war, is unlikely to sit still. While Trump is in a hurry due to the upcoming midterm elections, Netanyahu also faces a general election in November. Netanyahu, who is currently on trial for corruption charges, cannot guarantee his future if he loses the election. Furthermore, although there is significant war fatigue within Israel, public opinion remains hardline regarding the issue of Lebanon. Southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah exerts influence, borders Israel. Netanyahu's idea is to use the Iran war as an excuse to restore the safety zone that existed there as a demilitarized zone until 2000, and polls suggest that more than half of the public supports this. Moreover, other polls show that only slightly over 10% of Israelis believe Israel won the war with Iran. Therefore, Netanyahu cannot abandon the goal of securing the Lebanon safety zone, which still enjoys public support. Given this situation, Netanyahu is holding out and refusing to withdraw troops, even in the face of such strong pressure that it is reported Trump told him he would be in prison if not for him.

4. Precarious 60-Day Negotiations
Israel has become the biggest variable in the U.S.-Iran negotiation phase, and there is speculation that Israel could eventually join the de-confliction cell. If Israel were to join, Iran would likely withdraw. Israel, now isolated and bypassed, has become a wild card whose next move is unpredictable. Conversely, Israel also holds leverage that could disrupt U.S.-Iran negotiations. Reports suggest that Israel is using this to engage in diplomatic warfare with the U.S. Netanyahu will likely only step down if he can appease domestic public opinion and secure something that helps him win the general election, but there is no clear solution at the moment. While a plan for the Lebanese government army, rather than Israel or Hezbollah, to secure the safety zone is being discussed, it is uncertain whether Netanyahu will be satisfied with that. Netanyahu has become a completely unpredictable factor, which makes the 60-day negotiation period between the U.S. and Iran feel all the more precarious.

Reported by Kwon Young-in | Produced by Shin Hee-sook | Video by Kim Si-nae | Video Editing by Na Hong-hee | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News