Beirut – Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed yesterday, Wednesday, that he hopes to reach a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel in the coming hours.
This came during a television interview by Mikati with the local Lebanese “Al-Jadeed” channel (private) after the Hebrew media claimed that there was an agreement to stop the war reached by the American envoy Amos Hockstein during a visit to Beirut a few days ago, and that it is based on a modified version of Resolution 1701.
Resolution 1701, issued on August 11, 2006, calls for a complete cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel at that time, and the establishment of a zone free of weapons and militants between the Blue Line (separating Lebanon and Israel) and the Litani River in southern Lebanon, with the exception of forces affiliated with the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL forces. .
Mikati stated: “As a government, we guarantee the implementation of Resolution 1701 by the Lebanese army, which must immediately enter the areas from which the Israeli army will withdraw (southern Lebanon).”
He explained that he “contacted American envoy Hockstein, who informed him that he was on his way to Tel Aviv” as part of the efforts he was conducting between Lebanon and Israel.
Mikati added: “We hope in the coming hours to reach a ceasefire.”
In his first speech after being chosen as the new Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem said on Wednesday that they are facing a “global war” against the resistance that is not limited to Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, stressing that they will not accept its cessation except on their conditions based on a “ceasefire first.” “By indirect negotiation.
He explained that the ongoing political movement “is without result because it did not present a project that Israel would agree to and that could be discussed.”
Earlier Wednesday, the official Hebrew Broadcasting Corporation said that Hockstein and US Presidential Advisor Brett McGurk are scheduled to arrive in Israel on Thursday, as part of efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon.
This comes amid Washington spreading an atmosphere that suggests positivity and the nearness of reaching an agreement to end the war on Lebanon through American efforts, despite the fact that the same method was repeated with regard to negotiations to end the war on Gaza without result, and the Israeli massacres increased on both fronts.
Observers attribute this American policy to highlighting positivity and progress in the negotiations, due to its impact on the expected presidential elections in the United States early next November.
With losses mounting significantly in recent days among the Israeli army forces on the Lebanon front, the political echelon in Israel began examining the possibility of ending the war in Lebanon and reaching a political settlement, according to Hebrew media.
After clashes with factions in Lebanon, including Hezbollah, which began after Israel launched genocide on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, resulting in the death and injury of more than 144,000 Palestinians, Tel Aviv has expanded the scope of the genocide since last September 23. To include most of Lebanon’s regions, including the capital, Beirut, through air strikes, and it also began a ground invasion in its south.
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**Interview with Mahmoud Al-Munir, Middle East Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Mahmoud. Thank you for joining us today.
**Mahmoud Al-Munir:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Prime Minister Najib Mikati recently expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. What are the key factors influencing these negotiations at this time?
**Mahmoud Al-Munir:** Several factors are at play. Firstly, the diplomatic engagements led by American envoy Amos Hockstein are critical. His discussions in Beirut suggest a willingness from both sides to explore a ceasefire. The historical context of Resolution 1701 also provides a framework that could facilitate a peaceful resolution.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned Resolution 1701. Could you elaborate on its significance in the current situation?
**Mahmoud Al-Munir:** Absolutely. Resolution 1701 was established after the 2006 war between Lebanon and Israel, aiming to maintain peace and security. Its call for a cessation of hostilities and the establishment of a demilitarized zone is still relevant. Mikati’s emphasis on the Lebanese army’s role in enforcing this resolution suggests that the government is taking a proactive approach to maintain stability and order in southern Lebanon.
**Interviewer:** Hezbollah’s new Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, spoke about facing a “global war” and insisted that any ceasefire must meet their conditions. How does this complicate the negotiations?
**Mahmoud Al-Munir:** Qassem’s comments indicate a very different perspective. Hezbollah positions itself as a significant player not just in Lebanon but also in the broader regional conflict. If they insist on their conditions for a ceasefire, it could create hurdles in the negotiations. It reflects a need for all parties to establish trust and common ground, which can be challenging given Hezbollah’s entrenched stance.
**Interviewer:** Given this complex situation, what do you believe is the likelihood of achieving a ceasefire in the coming hours, as Mikati hopes?
**Mahmoud Al-Munir:** While the hope for a quick resolution is certainly there, achieving a ceasefire in such a charged environment is fraught with challenges. The next few hours are crucial, but it will depend heavily on the flexibility of both Lebanese and Israeli leadership, as well as external influences from the U.S. and other regional actors.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mahmoud, for your insights. It’s a crucial time for Lebanon and the region, and we hope for a peaceful resolution.
**Mahmoud Al-Munir:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for the best.
