Israel's Ongoing Military Campaign in Lebanon
Israeli officials have confirmed the continuation of military operations in Lebanon, emphasizing that the campaign will persist until key objectives are met. Chief among these is the demand for Hezbollah to withdraw its forces beyond the Litani River. Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated that there would be no ceasefire until these goals are accomplished, which also include disarming Hezbollah, ensuring the return of residents in northern Israel, and maintaining Israel's right to combat terrorism.
Katz highlighted that the return of Israeli prisoners held in Gaza remains a top priority alongside the campaign against Hamas. Despite local and international pressures, Israeli political and military leaders are considering the ongoing conflict as an opportunity to significantly weaken Hezbollah's presence in Lebanon.
Lebanese Government's Response
In response to Israel's demands, Lebanese officials have categorically rejected the conditions proposed by Tel Aviv, asserting that they violate Lebanon's sovereignty. Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi stated that Israel's request to control Lebanese airspace constitutes an unacceptable escalation. He reinforced Lebanon's commitment to United Nations Resolution 1701, which calls for a ceasefire and stipulates that both parties must adhere to its terms.
Mawlawi emphasized that any deployment of the Lebanese army in the south would not imply acceptance of Israeli military control, but rather a commitment to national sovereignty. Hezbollah's media relations official, Muhammad Afif, echoed this sentiment, stating that no formal ceasefire proposals had been received from Israel.
Prospects for Ceasefire Negotiations
While the Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar indicated some progress in ceasefire discussions, he clarified that Israel would only consider a settlement if Hezbollah retreated beyond the Litani River. Reports from Israeli media suggest that the government may leverage a ceasefire agreement to alleviate international pressure. However, without a formal acceptance from Hezbollah, the prospect of a ceasefire remains uncertain, with the possibility of expanded ground operations in Lebanon looming if negotiations fail.
The situation continues to develop as both sides navigate the complexities of military engagement and diplomatic negotiations, with the potential for significant regional implications.
