Lebanon's Hezbollah group has claimed that the US-Iran peace deal is a 'great victory.' Group leader Naim Kassem described the memorandum of understanding as a pivotal point for Lebanon, thanking Iran for linking the Lebanese arena to the deal and forcing Israel to stop its aggression.

Hezbollah, founded in 1982 with Iranian support, aims to end Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. Despite the deal, fighting continues, with Hezbollah targeting Israeli soldiers and Israel destroying southern villages. Talks between the US and Iran, due to start Friday, were postponed due to the conflict in Lebanon.

Analysts say the deal favors Iran. James M. Dorsey of Singapore's Rajaratnam School of International Studies noted that the memorandum gives Iran almost everything it wanted and initially looks like a victory for Hezbollah. The first paragraph declares an immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, and guarantees Lebanon's territorial integrity.

Israel currently occupies about 600 square kilometers in southern Lebanon. The deal also includes unfreezing Iranian funds and allowing oil sales, which could boost Hezbollah's funding. Lebanese commentator Karim Chebaklo argued that a financially stronger Iran would push the disarmament question further out.

However, none of the potential wins for Hezbollah are guaranteed, as neither Israel, Hezbollah, nor the Lebanese government were signatories. For the Lebanese government, the deal makes it appear that Iran is dictating Lebanese foreign policy. Israeli politicians have said their troops will not leave Lebanon, despite US pressure.

Later Friday, a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel was reported, but Israeli airstrikes soon resumed. Analyst Anthony Samrani suggested Hezbollah could emerge strengthened, but the most likely scenario is a double burden for Lebanon: Israeli occupation and a defiant Hezbollah.

Source: www.dw.com