American officials said, “A settlement on the northern front (with Lebanon) is possible soon.” Hebrew sources reported, on Sunday, that Israel is considering a ceasefire in Lebanon, to avoid a Security Council resolution being issued against it, indicating that Israel is studying the possibility of implementing a fixed-term ceasefire. On the northern border
American officials testified that “the chances are increasing to reach a settlement in Lebanon under the leadership of Amos Hochstein, Biden’s envoy, and with the encouragement of Trump,” and according to them, “there are also major efforts to conclude a small prisoner exchange deal.”
The newspaper indicated that the families of the Israeli prisoners will go tonight (between Saturday and Sunday) to Washington, where they are expected to meet with senior officials regarding promoting an exchange deal in the near term, before the change of government in the United States.
Among other things, families will meet with senior White House officials, along with a series of meetings with Republican senators.
Hebrew Channel 12 reported that Israel is considering a ceasefire in the north to avoid the issuance of a UN Security Council resolution against it.
This comes as the Israeli army reported, on Sunday morning, that it had monitored the launch of 8 missiles from southern Lebanon, while the Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath correspondent reported that sirens sounded in the Metulla settlement in northern Israel, after a barrage of missiles were fired from Lebanon towards Kiryat Shmona and the surrounding settlements. .
Israeli media reported that the Minister of Strategic Affairs left for Washington to hold talks on northern Israel.
In turn, Hezbollah published a summary of its operations carried out against the Israeli army on Saturday, “in support of the steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their valiant and honorable resistance and in defense of Lebanon and its people.”
Hezbollah announced that it had targeted, for the first time, the Israeli “Malam” military factory and the Ain Khuzlut base, which is a military communications base 55 km away from the Lebanese-Israeli border, south of Lake Tiberias.
This comes as members of the Civil Defense and the Beirut Fire Brigade were able to extinguish the fire that broke out on Hamra Street, which led to damage to buildings and the complete combustion of about 25 cars.
Last updated: November 10, 2024 – 11:09
Suggest a correction
Interview between Time.news Editor (E) and Middle East Conflict Expert (X)
E: Welcome to Time.news, where we dive deep into the pressing issues of our time. Today, we have an expert on Middle Eastern conflicts, Dr. Sarah Al-Masri. Dr. Al-Masri, thank you for joining us.
X: Thank you for having me! I’m glad to be here to discuss these critical developments.
E: Let’s start with recent reports. American officials mentioned that a settlement on the northern front with Lebanon is possible soon. What do you make of that statement?
X: It’s a significant indication of shifting dynamics. The involvement of U.S. officials, especially in mediating through Amos Hochstein, suggests a concerted effort to stabilize the situation. A settlement could mark a turning point in Israeli-Lebanese relations, especially after a period of heightened tensions.
E: We also heard that Israel is considering a ceasefire to avoid a UN Security Council resolution against it. What are the implications of this consideration?
X: A ceasefire could be seen as a tactical move by Israel to mitigate international criticism and to prevent further escalation. The potential resolution could pose a diplomatic headache for Israel, especially if it were to affect its military operations in the region. By negotiating a ceasefire, Israel seeks to regain some control over the narrative while perhaps also alleviating domestic pressures.
E: Speaking of domestic pressures, families of Israeli prisoners are heading to Washington to promote a possible exchange deal. How does this factor into the overall situation?
X: This highlights the human element of the conflict and the importance of domestic opinion in decision-making processes. Engaging directly with families of prisoners can create a narrative that pressures officials to act swiftly. Additionally, it signals to both Israeli and Lebanese leadership that there’s a strong desire for resolution, which could facilitate negotiations and help in establishing a more formal ceasefire.
E: You mentioned Amos Hochstein’s leadership and the encouragement from prominent figures like Trump. How significant is the bipartisan support in fostering a settlement?
X: Bipartisan support can be a powerful tool. It reinforces the idea that finding a resolution is not just a political necessity for one side, but a collective interest of the U.S. government. By bringing together figures from both sides of the aisle, it could signal a unified American stance, which is often necessary to persuade both Israeli and Lebanese stakeholders to come to the table.
E: There have been reports of missile launches from southern Lebanon, stirring further concerns. How does this escalation affect the negotiations?
X: Those military actions complicate the diplomatic landscape significantly. Such provocations can heighten tensions and create skepticism regarding any ceasefire talks. It’s crucial that both sides manage their rhetoric and actions carefully; otherwise, they risk derailing the fragile peace efforts that may currently be in motion.
E: In your expert opinion, what are the chances of achieving a lasting settlement in the near future?
X: While the prospects seem more favorable now than in previous months, the situation remains highly volatile. The ongoing military actions and the pressing need for a satisfactory solution for the families of prisoners are just two of the many variables at play. However, if U.S. mediation continues effectively and both sides are willing to compromise, we could see progress within the coming weeks.
E: Thank you, Dr. Al-Masri, for your insights. It’s evident that the situation is fluid, and developments in the coming days will be crucial. We appreciate your expertise on this complex issue.
X: Thank you for the opportunity. I look forward to seeing how this unfolds.