A cloud of smoke erupts following an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Oct. 19, 2024. Photo: -/AFP via Getty Images
Israel provided the U.S. with a document last week outlining its conditions for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing war in Lebanon and the return of displaced civilians from both sides of the border, as reported by two U.S. officials and two Israeli officials.
Why It Matters
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office presented the document to the White House prior to President Biden’s envoy Amos Hochstein’s scheduled visit to Beirut on Monday to discuss possible solutions to the conflict.
Behind the Scenes
Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, who is closely associated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly sent the document to Hochstein on Thursday. The document emerged from discussions among the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Israel Defense Forces regarding key principles that Israel insists must be included in any diplomatic resolution with Hezbollah.
- One notable demand from Israel is the IDF‘s need to conduct “active enforcement” to hinder Hezbollah from rearming and reconstructing its military capabilities in southern Lebanon, particularly near the Israeli border.
- Additionally, Israel insists that its air force should maintain operational freedom in Lebanese airspace.
Friction Points
These demands are in direct conflict with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which requires the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to oversee a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
- An Israeli official highlighted that the approach revolves around “1701 with increased enforcement,” suggesting that an enhanced role for the Lebanese army and UNIFIL could reduce the IDF’s operations, and vice-versa.
- A U.S. official remarked that it is improbable that Lebanon and the broader international community would concur with these stipulations, which could severely compromise Lebanon’s sovereignty.
- Neither the White House nor the Israeli embassy in Washington provided comments regarding this matter.
Driving the News
Hochstein’s arrival in Beirut was marked by meetings with acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, and other Lebanese officials to discuss Israel’s demands. Berri stated that Hochstein’s visit represents “the last chance before the U.S. elections to reach a solution” to the hostilities in Lebanon.
- Berri emphasized that there is a national consensus in Lebanon supporting UN Resolution 1701 and expressed his refusal to modify it, which aligns with Israel’s expectations.
The Latest Developments
During a press conference in Beirut, Hochstein addressed inquiries regarding the Israeli demands but opted against “negotiating in public,” labeling the exchange as “negotiation tactics and opening positions.”
- Hochstein noted that there has been insufficient implementation of Resolution 1701 by both Lebanon and Israel, contributing to the ongoing conflict.
- He stated that efforts are underway to formulate a long-term solution to end the conflict and prevent its resurgence in the foreseeable future, emphasizing that commitment to resolution 1701 alone will not suffice.
Between the Lines
U.S. officials and Israeli counterparts reveal that Hochstein is advocating for the deployment of a significant number of Lebanese troops in southern Lebanon as a core component of any diplomatic resolution.
- Historically, the Lebanese army has maintained limited presence in the region, predominantly controlled by Hezbollah.
- The envoy envisions a deployment of at least 8,000 Lebanese troops in southern Lebanon.
- Moreover, Hochstein seeks to enhance UNIFIL’s mandate to assist the Lebanese army in preventing unauthorized armed individuals or groups from being stationed near the Israeli border.
- U.S. officials acknowledge that since the 2006 war, UNIFIL has largely failed to enforce Resolution 1701 and has not thwarted Hezbollah’s military infrastructure development in contravention of the resolution.
State of Play
On Sunday night, prior to Hochstein’s visit, the Israeli Air Force executed airstrikes across Lebanon targeting numerous facilities linked to Hezbollah’s financial operations, including a building in Beirut.
- A senior Israeli intelligence official informed reporters that the targeted bank operated independently from the Lebanese financial system and was not managed by the government or the central bank.
- This bank reportedly received substantial annual funding from Iran, playing a pivotal role in financing Hezbollah’s activities.
Plain Text Version:
Israel provided the U.S. with a document last week outlining its conditions for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing war in Lebanon and the return of displaced civilians from both sides of the border, as reported by two U.S. officials and two Israeli officials.
Why It Matters
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office presented the document to the White House prior to President Biden’s envoy Amos Hochstein’s scheduled visit to Beirut on Monday to discuss possible solutions to the conflict.
Behind the Scenes
Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, who is closely associated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly sent the document to Hochstein on Thursday. The document emerged from discussions among the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Israel Defense Forces regarding key principles that Israel insists must be included in any diplomatic resolution with Hezbollah.
- One notable demand from Israel is the IDF’s need to conduct “active enforcement” to hinder Hezbollah from rearming and reconstructing its military capabilities in southern Lebanon, particularly near the Israeli border.
- Additionally, Israel insists that its air force should maintain operational freedom in Lebanese airspace.
Friction Points
These demands are in direct conflict with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which requires the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to oversee a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
- An Israeli official highlighted that the approach revolves around “1701 with increased enforcement,” suggesting that an enhanced role for the Lebanese army and UNIFIL could reduce the IDF’s operations, and vice-versa.
- A U.S. official remarked that it is improbable that Lebanon and the broader international community would concur with these stipulations, which could severely compromise Lebanon’s sovereignty.
- Neither the White House nor the Israeli embassy in Washington provided comments regarding this matter.
Driving the News
Hochstein’s arrival in Beirut was marked by meetings with acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, and other Lebanese officials to discuss Israel’s demands. Berri stated that Hochstein’s visit represents “the last chance before the U.S. elections to reach a solution” to the hostilities in Lebanon.
- Berri emphasized that there is a national consensus in Lebanon supporting UN Resolution 1701 and expressed his refusal to modify it, which aligns with Israel’s expectations.
The Latest Developments
During a press conference in Beirut, Hochstein addressed inquiries regarding the Israeli demands but opted against “negotiating in public,” labeling the exchange as “negotiation tactics and opening positions.”
- Hochstein noted that there has been insufficient implementation of Resolution 1701 by both Lebanon and Israel, contributing to the ongoing conflict.
- He stated that efforts are underway to formulate a long-term solution to end the conflict and prevent its resurgence in the foreseeable future, emphasizing that commitment to resolution 1701 alone will not suffice.
Between the Lines
U.S. officials and Israeli counterparts reveal that Hochstein is advocating for the deployment of a significant number of Lebanese troops in southern Lebanon as a core component of any diplomatic resolution.
- Historically, the Lebanese army has maintained limited presence in the region, predominantly controlled by Hezbollah.
- The envoy envisions a deployment of at least 8,000 Lebanese troops in southern Lebanon.
- Moreover, Hochstein seeks to enhance UNIFIL’s mandate to assist the Lebanese army in preventing unauthorized armed individuals or groups from being stationed near the Israeli border.
- U.S. officials acknowledge that since the 2006 war, UNIFIL has largely failed to enforce Resolution 1701 and has not thwarted Hezbollah’s military infrastructure development in contravention of the resolution.
State of Play
On Sunday night, prior to Hochstein’s visit, the Israeli Air Force executed airstrikes across Lebanon targeting numerous facilities linked to Hezbollah’s financial operations, including a building in Beirut.
- A senior Israeli intelligence official informed reporters that the targeted bank operated independently from the Lebanese financial system and was not managed by the government or the central bank.
- This bank reportedly received substantial annual funding from Iran, playing a pivotal role in financing Hezbollah’s activities.