The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah it could be imminent. According to CNN, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved a principle of the ceasefire agreement on the front that remains open in Lebanonduring a safety meeting with officials held Sunday evening.
The source consulted by CNN assured this although Israel still has reservations As for some details of the agreement, he will discuss them with the Lebanese government on Monday. Likewise, they stressed that until these outstanding points are resolved, the treaty will not be final. This will also have to receive the approval of the Israeli government.
Further progress
Last week, the American mediator in the Lebanon conflict, Amos Hochsteinhe traveled to Beirut and Israel to speak with the parties involved in the conflict. Hochstein confirmed had made “further progress” In these negotiations, however, the fire between the Shiite militias and the Israeli state has not stopped in recent days.
On Wednesday afternoon, Hezbollah’s new general secretary, Naim Qassemalready warned that pro-Iranian militias will remain active on the ground”whether the negotiations reach a positive conclusion or not.”. “If they attack Beirut, we will attack Tel Aviv,” he concluded.
Israel and Hezbollah exchange attacks over the weekend
The threat came to fruition on Sunday, with the launch of more than 160 rockets aiming to reach the naval base in Ashdod, southern Israel, and a “military target” in the city of Tel Aviv. The offensive caused 11 people to be injured, one of them seriously, due to the impact of the remains of the rockets against the population, once they hit intercepted by the defense system.
With this offensive Hezbollah responded to the attacks perpetrated by the armed forcesIsraeli forces attack central Beirut on Saturday nightand which caused the collapse of a residential building. Israel assures that the attack was directed against a Hezbollah military leader, however, deputies linked to the pro-Iranian group assure that the target was not there. The impact remained at least 29 dead and more than 60 injured.
This was reported by the Lebanese Ministry of Health 3,754 dead and 15,626 injured since the conflict began between Shiite militias, Hezbollah and Israeli forces. The war has forced at least 1.2 million people, in a country of five and a half million inhabitants, to leave their homes.
What are the key challenges in achieving a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Conflict Resolution Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the most pressing issues of our time. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Sarah Elman, a renowned expert in Middle Eastern conflict resolution. Dr. Elman, thank you for being here.
Dr. Elman: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time for discussions about peace in the region.
Editor: Exactly. We’ve seen reports indicating that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah might be imminent. What is your take on the significance of this development?
Dr. Elman: The fact that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the principle of a ceasefire is a significant step. It signals a willingness to reduce hostilities for the safety of both Israeli and Lebanese civilians. However, the situation remains delicate. There are still reservations that Israel has about details of the agreement.
Editor: Yes, the article mentions that outstanding points need resolution before the treaty can be finalized. What could some of these concerns be?
Dr. Elman: Israel typically focuses on security assurances, especially in regards to Hezbollah’s arms and the group’s ties to Iran. They would likely want guarantees that Hezbollah will not continue its military operations or threaten Israeli borders following a ceasefire.
Editor: That’s an important aspect. The American mediator, Amos Hochstein, was mentioned as having made “further progress” in negotiations last week. How do you see the role of a mediator in such a tense conflict?
Dr. Elman: Mediators play a pivotal role in bridging gaps between conflicting parties. Hochstein’s involvement suggests a backing from the U.S., which can lend credibility and pressure both sides to reach a workable solution. However, the mediator can only do so much; ultimately, it requires a commitment from both Israel and Hezbollah to make concessions.
Editor: Indeed, cooperation from both parties is essential. How can the Lebanese government contribute during this phase, especially with discussions scheduled for Monday?
Dr. Elman: The Lebanese government can act as a facilitator in this process by advocating for national interests that prioritize stability and peace over factional agendas. They need to ensure that the negotiations are not overshadowed by sectarian divides, fostering a dialog that includes various political and civil society voices.
Editor: Given the intricacies of the situation, do you think a ceasefire can hold if reached?
Dr. Elman: It will depend on the framework of the ceasefire and the security arrangements put in place. If both parties feel their security is guaranteed and their concerns are addressed, there’s a chance it could hold. However, the history of escalation in the region makes it clear that maintaining peace will require continuous dialog and external support to monitor any violations.
Editor: Wise words, Dr. Elman. As we look to the future, what will be the indicators to watch that could signal whether we are moving toward lasting peace or another cycle of conflict?
Dr. Elman: Key indicators will include the initiation of dialog between broader political groups in Lebanon and Israel, effective enforcement of the ceasefire terms, and the involvement of third-party observers. Additionally, public sentiment in both countries can reveal much about the sustainability of peace. If there’s a push for peace from citizens, it may provide the necessary pressure on leaders to maintain the agreement.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights with us, Dr. Elman. Your expertise adds depth to our understanding of this evolving situation. We hope for a peaceful resolution soon.
Dr. Elman: Thank you, and let’s hope for a better future for both nations.