Morning Note

America’s push for long-term peace with Iran just hit a snag.

Israeli forces conducted new attacks on Lebanon overnight, unleashing a wave of missile strikes and launching a new ground advance designed to continue the destruction of the country’s neighborhoods. The assault came despite Donald Trump ordering Israel to stop spilling Lebanese blood, and Iran saying it will only abide by its new memorandum of understanding with the United States if the Israelis stand down. The fighting reportedly killed 22 people, including four IDF soldiers. 

This story comes as no surprise. Benjamin Netanyahu is desperate for the U.S. to keep fighting his war for him, meaning he was always going to try to sabotage the White House’s deal. All that matters now is how the president responds. The only America First option is to tell Israel to get lost. They are free to keep fighting for as long as they please, but not with U.S. support. This could be the only way to preserve our peace agreement.

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