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Israel is actively negotiating a possible ceasefire in Lebanon; agreements with the participation of international mediators can be reached before the US presidential elections, scheduled for November 5. At the same time, the Israeli side is interested in Russia’s participation in this process, the Ynet portal reported, Day.Az reports with reference to TASS.
According to his sources among senior Israeli officials, contacts on this issue are “at an advanced stage.” Deputy Assistant to the President of the United States and Senior Advisor to the State Department for Energy Security Amos Hawksteen, who serves as a mediator between Israel and Lebanon, reached preliminary agreements during a recent visit to Beirut and may arrive in Israel before the US elections to formulate a final agreement, Ynet notes.
According to his information, the settlement plan includes three main components. The first implies the implementation of the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which requires the withdrawal of armed formations of the Shiite organization Hezbollah from the Lebanese-Israeli border beyond the Litani River in Southern Lebanon. At the same time, it is planned to deploy additional units of the Lebanese army in the border areas and strengthen the peacekeeping contingent of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The second component of the proposed agreement is the creation of an international mechanism to monitor compliance with these agreements. Israel intends to retain the right to “act independently” to eliminate potential violations by Hezbollah if Lebanon and UNIFIL are unable to contain the Shiite militias. The third part involves creating conditions that exclude the possibility of rearmament of Hezbollah units, including by blocking the supply of weapons by land, air and sea.
According to Ynet, Russia, in the opinion of the Israeli side, can also help in implementing the agreement. According to the portal’s foreign source, the Russian side may have “a special status in implementing the agreement and preventing further escalation.”
Israel, Ynet notes, is itself interested in Russia joining this process and even insists on this, hoping that Moscow’s participation will strengthen the stability of the agreement and contribute to its implementation. In addition, as the portal notes, Russian participation will reduce dependence on US influence on the process of stabilizing the situation in the region. In addition, the Israeli side has been trying to attract other states to this format in recent days, Ynet points out, without specifying which countries they may be talking about.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Middle East Expert Dr. Sarah Al-Munir
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Al-Munir, and thank you for joining us today. With the ongoing negotiations in Lebanon involving Israel and potential international mediation, could you share your insights on the current situation?
Dr. Sarah Al-Munir: Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed critical, as Israel is actively seeking a ceasefire in Lebanon. This is particularly urgent given the impending U.S. presidential elections. The involvement of international mediators, notably from the U.S., could significantly influence the outcome.
Editor: Yes, we understand that Amos Hawksteen, the U.S. Deputy Assistant to the President, has been mediating between Israel and Lebanon. How pivotal is his role in these negotiations?
Dr. Al-Munir: Hawksteen’s role is crucial. His recent visit to Beirut appears to have made progress, and his return to Israel could be a turning point. His position allows him to bridge perspectives between both nations, which is essential for formulating a viable agreement.
Editor: The report mentions Israel’s interest in involving Russia in the peace talks. Do you think Russia’s participation could be beneficial, and what might their role entail?
Dr. Al-Munir: Involving Russia could provide a different dynamic to the negotiations. Russia has established relationships with various groups in the region, including Hezbollah. Their participation could help in creating a more balanced dialogue and might encourage Hezbollah to comply with the terms expected under UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Editor: Speaking of Resolution 1701, could you elaborate on its significance in the context of these negotiations?
Dr. Al-Munir: Certainly. Resolution 1701 was established to end the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and calls for the disarmament of armed groups in Southern Lebanon. The implementation of its provisions is critical for Israel, as it insists on the withdrawal of Hezbollah’s forces from the Lebanese-Israeli border. This withdrawal is seen as a necessary step towards establishing peace and stability in the region.
Editor: In light of these developments, what potential challenges do you foresee arising during the negotiation process?
Dr. Al-Munir: There are several challenges ahead. Firstly, the differing priorities of the involved parties will complicate consensus; while Israel seeks security assurances, Hezbollah may have its own strategic interests to consider. Additionally, external pressures, particularly from other regional actors and the domestic political landscapes in Israel and Lebanon, could further hinder progress.
Editor: with the U.S. elections approaching, how might the political climate in the U.S. impact these negotiations?
Dr. Al-Munir: The timing of the U.S. elections is indeed critical. If a new administration takes office, it could alter the U.S.’s approach to foreign policy in the region. Negotiations that are perceived as advancing before the elections may face new scrutiny, and the reliance on existing mediators like Hawksteen might diminish if political shifts occur, causing uncertainty for ongoing discussions.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Munir, for sharing your insights. It will be interesting to see how this situation evolves in the coming weeks.
Dr. Al-Munir: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial moment for Lebanon and Israel, and the international community will be watching closely.