Analysts Dismiss Ceasefire Talks Between Israel and Hezbollah as Unfounded
Political analysts are expressing skepticism about recent claims from American and Israeli media suggesting that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah is imminent. Lebanese political analyst Tawfiq Shoman described these assertions as overly optimistic and disconnected from the current reality on the ground. He emphasized that discussions with various political authorities in Beirut reveal a collective agreement that the situation remains tense and that a ceasefire is still a distant prospect.
Shoman noted that Prime Minister Najib Mikati's statements regarding a potential agreement lack a solid foundation, with no clear evidence to support the notion of an imminent ceasefire. The atmosphere in Beirut is described as discouraging, with many waiting for actionable developments that could pave the way for a political resolution. There is a consensus in Lebanon that any agreement must prioritize a ceasefire, rejecting any security arrangements that might compromise the sovereignty of the nation, particularly in the south, where coordination with the United Nations forces is advocated.
Leaks from Media Seen as Propaganda
Mahmoud Yazbek, an expert in Israeli affairs, echoed Shoman's sentiments, asserting that the narratives circulating in the Israeli press aim to portray Lebanon as having conceded to Israeli demands. He pointed out that these leaks suggest a proposal from US envoy Amos Hochstein that would be unacceptable to Hezbollah and the Lebanese government, as it could imply a form of occupation of southern Lebanon under the guise of security cooperation. Yazbek criticized the Israeli media's portrayal of Lebanon's situation, arguing that it seeks to frame the narrative in a way that absolves Israel of responsibility for the ongoing conflict while placing blame on Lebanon for the lack of agreement.
Recent reports indicate that the United States is striving to facilitate a ceasefire that would last for 60 days, aligned with the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701. However, analysts remain doubtful about the feasibility of such an agreement given the current political dynamics and the entrenched positions of the involved parties.
