Israel finds itself engaged in two semi-frozen conflicts in Lebanon and Iran. But the outcome of these battles will likely be determined not by Israel’s own political leaders, but by the United States and President Donald Trump, Israeli analysts have told Al Jazeera.With US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner headed to Pakistan for another round of talks with Iran, Israel is not included. And Trump announced on Thursday a three-week extension to the ceasefire in Lebanon. Israel has, of course, repeatedly violated that ceasefire – but analysts highlight that Trump continues to have more influence over events than his partners in Israel.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listThat is despite Israel’s leaders – and in particular Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – repeatedly calling Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah existential threats. Netanyahu had for years called for the kind of war he eventually unleashed on Iran with the US at the end of February.But the conclusion of that war now appears out of his control. And that, according to observers, is of growing concern to the Israeli public, who were promised by Netanyahu an “end to the threat from the Ayatollah regime in Iran”, and the ultimate “disarmament” of Hezbollah.“Netanyahu’s attempt to steer Washington on both Iran and Lebanon was both hubristic and opportunistic, but it should also not be that surprising that Netanyahu would attempt this,” former Israeli government adviser Daniel Levy said, comparing that backing to the unquestioning sup …
