As clashes continue between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanese political officials are now calling for direct negotiations with Israel, even in the midst of a military escalation. According to a source from a Lebanese government member party but opposed to the terrorist organization, a dialogue could take place “even under fire,” believing that there is hardly an alternative to weaken Hezbollah both politically and militarily.
This position comes in the context of evolving diplomacy. Israel’s willingness to engage in direct talks with Lebanon is seen by some officials as a positive development, capable of reducing Iran’s influence, which traditionally uses the Lebanese issue in its negotiations with the United States. Such an initiative would also put Hezbollah in a delicate position on the domestic scene.
However, deep divisions remain within the Lebanese government itself. The government, composed of formations hostile to Hezbollah, such as the Lebanese Forces and the Christian Phalanges, and parties close to the terrorist organization, struggle to adopt a common stance. Several officials continue to condition any negotiation on a prerequisite ceasefire, believing that the Lebanese state does not currently have the capacity to disarm Hezbollah alone.
Preparatory contacts could nevertheless take place soon in Washington, with a meeting between the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon to the United States being considered. This perspective comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement that he has instructed to open direct negotiations with Beirut, particularly on the issue of Hezbollah’s disarmament and a potential peace agreement.
On the other hand, Hezbollah strongly rejects any discussion without a prior halt to hostilities. One of its deputies has insisted on the need to maintain “national principles,” including a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and the return of displaced persons. Meanwhile, the human toll continues to rise in Lebanon, with over 200 deaths and more than a thousand injuries according to authorities, who are considering filing a complaint against Israel at the UN Security Council.
Context: Israel and Hezbollah are engaged in ongoing conflicts, with Lebanese officials now considering direct negotiations with Israel despite the military escalation. Fact Check: The article covers the current diplomatic situation and perspectives on potential talks between Israel and Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict.
