Israeli Ministers Demand Powers for Lebanese Army in Draft Agreement
In a significant development within the ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah, Israeli cabinet ministers have urged that the powers proposed for the Lebanese army should also be granted to the Israeli army. This demand comes as part of a draft agreement being formulated by US envoy Amos Hochstein, aimed at concluding hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. According to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, the ministers emphasized that the broad powers intended for the Lebanese military must be mirrored in the Israeli forces.
Draft Agreement Overview
The draft agreement, reported earlier, suggests a timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon within a week, contingent upon adherence to Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution mandates a 60-day truce, during which Lebanese forces are expected to begin their deployment in southern Lebanon as Israeli forces withdraw. The proposal also seeks to establish a demilitarized zone between the Blue Line (the border between Lebanon and Israel) and the Litani River, prohibiting all armed personnel and military equipment except those belonging to the Lebanese army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Ongoing Negotiations Amidst Continued Conflict
While the negotiations for a ceasefire are ongoing, violence has escalated, with the Israeli military intensifying its operations across Lebanon since September 23. This has resulted in significant casualties, including hundreds of deaths and injuries among civilians. An unnamed political source mentioned in Israel Hayom suggested that the draft being discussed may be outdated, as Hochstein and US Presidential advisor Brett McGurk are set to meet with Israeli officials to further address the proposal. Despite the complexities of the situation, both parties maintain their right to self-defense should the agreement be violated.
