Israeli officials stated on Wednesday that any cease-fire deal with Hezbollah must include the right to strike back against violations. This demand complicates ongoing negotiations led by a U.S. envoy. The latest airstrike, attributed to Israel, hit the Syrian town of Palmyra, resulting in 36 deaths, according to Syrian state media.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar both emphasized Israel’s need to respond to Hezbollah breaches. The proposed agreement aims to remove Hezbollah fighters and Israeli forces from a U.N. buffer zone in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Kassem, indicated support for negotiations but expressed objections to allowing Israeli troop movement in Lebanon.
Saar stated that Israel requires freedom of action in any future agreement. Katz insisted that Israel must protect its citizens from Hezbollah threats. The Biden administration’s mediator, Amos Hochstein, is actively seeking a resolution and plans to visit Israel for talks.
The emerging deal aims to resolve the ongoing conflict that escalated when Hezbollah supported Hamas after its attacks on Israel in October 2023. Over 3,500 people in Lebanon have died since the conflict’s start, with Israeli casualties exceeding 70. Both sides continue to exchange fire, hindering peace efforts. The proposed framework seeks to align with the U.N. resolution that followed the 2006 war, which limited military operations in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers.
What are the main obstacles hindering a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah?
Interview with Middle East Specialist Dr. Sarah El-Naim on Ceasefire Negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. El-Naim. Given the recent developments in the negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, could you elaborate on the key issues at stake?
Dr. Sarah El-Naim: Thank you for having me. The situation is quite complex. Israeli officials have made it clear that any ceasefire must incorporate the right to retaliate against Hezbollah violations. This stipulation indicates a significant challenge to reaching an agreement, especially as both sides have a history of mistrust and retaliatory actions.
News Directory 3: The Israeli Defense Minister and Foreign Minister have emphasized the need for freedom of military action. How might this impact the negotiations?
Dr. El-Naim: The insistence on military freedom complicates any potential compromise, as it suggests Israel won’t fully withdraw from the area without guarantees that it can respond to perceived threats. This demand runs counter to Hezbollah’s stance on respecting Lebanese sovereignty, leading to further friction in the dialog.
News Directory 3: Hezbollah’s leadership has shown some willingness to negotiate, yet they oppose Israeli troop movements in Lebanon. How do you see this conflict of interests evolving?
Dr. El-Naim: Naim Kassem’s comments indicate a cautious approach from Hezbollah, as they are open to negotiations but unwilling to concede control over their territory. This juxtaposition creates a significant barrier to agreement. The proposed strategy of removing both Hezbollah operatives and Israeli forces from the U.N. buffer zone is an essential element, but both sides must find common ground on the terms of presence and military operations.
News Directory 3: With over 3,500 reported deaths in Lebanon since the conflict escalated, how crucial is international mediation, particularly from the Biden administration?
Dr. El-Naim: International mediation is vital to bringing both parties to the negotiating table, especially with the U.S. envoy, Amos Hochstein, actively engaging with Israeli officials. However, the effectiveness of this mediation hinges on its ability to address the core issues, including security guarantees for Israel and assurances for Lebanese sovereignty.
News Directory 3: Given the interconnectedness of the conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza, how does the ongoing war in Gaza affect the ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hezbollah?
Dr. El-Naim: The violence in Gaza exacerbates tensions in Lebanon, complicating peace efforts. With Hezbollah’s support for Hamas during the October attacks, Israel views Hezbollah with increased suspicion, making them less likely to compromise in negotiations. Moreover, humanitarian crises in both regions may prompt international actors to push for a ceasefire, but without addressing the root causes of each conflict, any agreement could remain fragile.
News Directory 3: what are the prospects for a lasting ceasefire, considering the current roadblocks and key demands from both sides?
Dr. El-Naim: Achieving a lasting ceasefire will depend heavily on the willingness of both sides to uphold the U.N. resolutions from past conflicts, specifically those limiting military operations. Without compromises, particularly on the freedom of military action for Israel and the acceptance of its operations within Lebanese territory for Hezbollah, a durable peace remains elusive.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Dr. El-Naim, for your insights on this pressing issue. We hope for a peaceful resolution in the region.
Dr. El-Naim: Thank you for having me. It is crucial to continue monitoring this situation closely.
Progress has been made, but significant roadblocks remain, such as Hezbollah’s refusal to accept Israeli operations in Lebanese territory. They demand an end to aggression and respect for Lebanese sovereignty. There are concerns that without enforcing the U.N. resolution, achieving a lasting cease-fire will be challenging.
Meanwhile, the war in Gaza continues, with high casualties and humanitarian crises mounting. International mediation efforts are stalled, as disputes over cease-fire conditions persist. The situation in Lebanon and Gaza remains deeply interconnected, influencing the broader Middle East landscape.
