At the same time as declarations of the IDF’s readiness to fight in the north, the American efforts to bring about a ceasefire continue. The special envoy of the USA Amos Hochstein arrived today (Sunday) for a series of meetings in Israel and it seems that for the first time since the outbreak of the war – there are positive signals for the diplomatic channel.
According to senior officials in Israel, a better feeling emerges from the meetings than at the beginning of the war, with a real chance for the success of the move. The signals for the possibility of a diplomatic settlement would not have been received if there had not been agreement on the part of Hezbollah as well. The American formula comes up in the discussions, and in Israel there is general agreement on its clauses.
The American formula for a political solution in the North
The American proposal includes a two-step formula. In the first phase, the parties will prepare an interim understanding agreement, which will include the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces from the southern Lebanese border, an increased deployment of UNIFIL and the Lebanese army in the area, and finally the return of the residents of the north to the evacuated settlements. It is also for certain compromises.
Israel accepts the American proposal, but emphasizes that progress will necessarily depend on the ceasefire in the south. In his meetings, Hochstein understands that Israel does not allow an unlimited period of time and reiterates that if there is a ceasefire in the south, Israel will not stop the war in the north without the settlement. A position that Defense Minister Gallant also voiced on Friday.
“We are ready to resolve the crisis politically, but are prepared for any other possibility” | Photo: David Azoulai
“We are ready to resolve the crisis politically, but are prepared for any other possibility,” Defense Minister Galant Lehochstein clarified at their meeting. Minister Galant also clarified that Israel is committed to improving the security situation in the north, including the return of all residents to their homes, after the threat of raids and shooting from Lebanese territory is removed. In the meeting, which took place at the office of the Minister of Defense in Tel Aviv, the two discussed the need to change the security situation on the northern border and the ways to return the evacuees to their homes.
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