Lebanon – Hebrew media reported, yesterday, Wednesday, that US envoy Amos Hockstein is working on drafting an agreement between Lebanon and Israel stipulating the withdrawal of the Israeli army from southern Lebanon.
The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (official) said yesterday, Wednesday, that “Hochstein is drafting an agreement between Israel and Lebanon, stipulating the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Lebanon within a week, on the condition that militarization operations resume in the event that the agreement is violated.”
The proposal calls on both Lebanon and Israel to adhere to Security Council Resolution No. 1701, while implementing a truce lasting for 60 days, with Lebanese forces beginning to deploy in the south at the time of Israeli forces’ withdrawal from it.
In 2006, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1701, which called for a complete cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, after a 33-day war between Hezbollah and the Israeli army.
The resolution also calls for the creation of an area between the “Blue Line” (dividing Lebanon and Israel) and the Litani River in southern Lebanon that would be free of any militants, military equipment and weapons, except those belonging to the Lebanese army and the UNIFIL peacekeeping force.
The draft indicated that “the intended agreement between the two parties will not prevent them from the right to defend themselves if the other violates the agreement, and that the spread of weapons in southern Lebanon is prohibited except under the supervision of the Lebanese government itself.”
The alleged agreement or draft stressed granting the Lebanese government the necessary powers to implement the decision to prevent Hezbollah from arming, while monitoring and dismantling military facilities that the government does not recognize for the production of weapons, as well as dismantling any armed infrastructure that does not comply with Resolution 1701.
The draft of the American envoy, “Hochstein,” pointed out that “the United States and other countries and international bodies are scheduled to supervise the implementation of the terms of the agreement between Lebanon and Israel.”
In contrast, the Hebrew newspaper “Israel Hayom” quoted a political source (which it did not name) as saying that “the aforementioned draft, which was leaked, is old and not relevant.”
After clashes with factions in Lebanon, which began after Israel launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, resulting in the killing and wounding of more than 144,000 Palestinians, Tel Aviv has expanded the scope of genocide since last September 23 to include most areas of Lebanon, including It invaded the capital, Beirut, through air strikes, and also began a ground invasion in its south.
The aggression against Lebanon resulted in a total of 2,792 dead and 12,772 wounded, including a large number of children and women, in addition to about 1,400,000 displaced persons. Most of the victims and displaced persons were registered after September 23, according to Anatolia’s monitoring of the latest official Lebanese data announced until Tuesday evening. .
Hezbollah responds daily by launching missiles, drones, and artillery shells targeting military sites, intelligence headquarters, military gatherings, and settlements. While Israel announces some of its human and material losses, military censorship imposes a strict blackout on most of the losses, according to observers.
Anatolia
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**Interview with Dr. Miriam Saad, Middle East Policy Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Saad. The recent negotiations led by US envoy Amos Hochstein are purportedly drafting an agreement between Lebanon and Israel regarding military withdrawals. What are the key aspects of this proposed agreement?
**Dr. Saad:** Thank you for having me. The agreement focuses on the Israeli army’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon within one week, contingent upon a truce that lasts for 60 days. This is an important step as it seeks to mitigate hostilities that have historically plagued the region.
**Interviewer:** How does the agreement incorporate existing frameworks, such as the UN Security Council Resolution 1701?
**Dr. Saad:** The agreement explicitly references Resolution 1701, which aimed to halt hostilities after the 2006 Lebanon War. It stresses that both countries should adhere to the provisions of Resolution 1701, particularly creating a buffer zone free from militants and military equipment, apart from the Lebanese army and UNIFIL forces.
**Interviewer:** What implications does this agreement have for Hezbollah and its military presence in southern Lebanon?
**Dr. Saad:** A significant element of the draft is its call for the Lebanese government to take control over the proliferation of arms. It empowers the Lebanese government to prevent Hezbollah from arming and dismantle any unauthorized military facilities. This represents a significant shift, as it places the government in a position of authority over armed groups within Lebanon.
**Interviewer:** Given the history of tension and conflict in the region, do you believe that both parties will adhere to this agreement?
**Dr. Saad:** There are many challenges ahead. While both sides seem to have a vested interest in reducing hostilities, the agreement’s effectiveness will hinge on commitment from both Lebanon and Israel. The provision allowing self-defense in case of a breach adds another layer of complexity, as it could lead to retaliation and reignite conflict if either side feels provoked.
**Interviewer:** What role do you see for international actors in this process, particularly the United States?
**Dr. Saad:** The U.S. has been instrumental in facilitating dialogue, and continued engagement will be crucial in monitoring the implementation of this agreement. The international community, particularly the UN, has a role in ensuring compliance with the terms, as well as supporting the Lebanese government in enforcing order in southern Lebanon.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Saad, for providing these insights into the complexities surrounding this proposed agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
**Dr. Saad:** My pleasure, thank you for the discussion.