Netanyahu Engages US Envoys on Lebanon Ceasefire Negotiations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been actively discussing a potential ceasefire agreement in Lebanon with American envoys Amos Hochstein and Brett McGurk. According to reports from Axios, the discussions also included efforts to resume negotiations regarding Israeli prisoners in Gaza, amid ongoing tensions and Iranian threats in the region. Netanyahu's administration aims to neutralize Hezbollah's capabilities, particularly its ability to launch rockets into northern Israel, while facilitating the return of approximately 60,000 displaced individuals to their homes.
Proposed Framework for Ceasefire and Withdrawal
The American website Axios reported that Hochstein is drafting an agreement that would require the Israeli army to withdraw from Lebanon within a week, with a 60-day truce in place. This proposal is aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the establishment of a demilitarized zone in southern Lebanon, free of armed groups except for the Lebanese Army and UN forces. The draft emphasizes the need for the Lebanese government to have the authority to prevent Hezbollah from arming itself and to dismantle unauthorized military facilities.
International Reactions and Ongoing Conflicts
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed cautious optimism regarding the ceasefire talks, while condemning Israeli actions that threaten civilian safety. Meanwhile, US officials have shifted their stance, now believing that a ceasefire in Lebanon may help mitigate the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In contrast, Russian officials criticized US policies in the region, asserting that they exacerbate tensions and hinder peace efforts. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, with significant casualties reported, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
