Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what’s behind the news that spins the globe.

Israelis and many Americans — not to mention Gulf Arabs — were stunned by the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Trump administration and the Iranians last month.

There was much to criticize in the MOU, but one of the most egregious elements was the inclusion of Lebanon in the ceasefire deal. Although neither Israel nor the Lebanese government were signatories to a deal between Washington and Tehran, it specifically mandated a halt to Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah, Iran’s most powerful proxy.

More from Lazar Focus

June 12, 2026Steffen Seibert: Gaza won’t sever special Germany-Israel ties

Steffen Seibert: Gaza won’t sever special Germany-Israel ties

May 15, 2026Dakar Eilat: Inside prisons for Hamas terrorists

Dakar Eilat: Inside prisons for Hamas terrorists

May 8, 2026LTC Nadav Shoshani: Is Israel telling the right story to the world?

LTC Nadav Shoshani: Is Israel telling the right story to the world?

April 24, 2026David Rosen: Israel doesn't adequately understand Christian........

© The Times of Israel