According to what Yedioth Ahronoth reported, US President-elect Donald Trump sent a message to the administration of outgoing President Joe Biden stating the need to make progress on the issue of returning settlers to the north.
American officials testified that “the chances are increasing to reach a settlement in Lebanon under the leadership of Amos Hochstein, Biden’s envoy, and with the encouragement of Trump,” and according to them, “there are also major efforts to conclude a small prisoner exchange deal.”
The newspaper indicated that the families of the Israeli prisoners will go tonight (between Saturday and Sunday) to Washington, where they are expected to meet with senior officials regarding promoting an exchange deal in the near term, before the change of government in the United States.
Among other things, families will meet with senior White House officials, along with a series of meetings with Republican senators.
Hebrew Channel 12 reported that Israel is considering a ceasefire in the north to avoid the issuance of a UN Security Council resolution against it.
For his part, the Secretary-General of the Lebanese faction movement, Naim Qassem, confirmed last Wednesday that there will be no way for indirect negotiations on a ceasefire before Israel stops its attacks on Lebanon, as he explained, saying: “The basis of any negotiation is built on two things: stopping the aggression and The ceiling for negotiation is to fully protect Lebanese sovereignty, and only developments on the battlefield, and not political movements, will put an end to hostilities, and there will be no path to indirect negotiations through the Lebanese state unless Israel stops its attacks on Lebanon.”
Source: RT + Israeli media
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**Interview with Middle East Analyst, Dr. Sarah Cohen**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Cohen. Recent reports from Yedioth Ahronoth suggest that President-elect Trump has communicated with the Biden administration about progress in returning settlers to northern Israel and the possibility of a settlement in Lebanon. What are your thoughts on the timing and implications of these developments?
**Dr. Cohen**: Thank you for having me. The timing is quite significant. Trump’s involvement, even before officially taking office, indicates a desire to influence ongoing negotiations in the region. The prospect of a settlement under Amos Hochstein could present new opportunities, but it also raises questions about the long-term stability of such arrangements, especially considering the ongoing tensions.
**Interviewer**: Interestingly, the report also mentions families of Israeli prisoners heading to Washington to advocate for a prisoner exchange deal. How do you see this influencing the broader conversation around ceasefire negotiations, particularly with Lebanon’s Naim Qassem emphasizing the need for Israel to halt its attacks first?
**Dr. Cohen**: It’s a complicated situation. The families’ push for a prisoner exchange underscores a human element that can sometimes transcend political stalemates. However, Naim Qassem’s insistence on stopping aggression first highlights a larger issue—whether diplomatic negotiations can truly proceed in a climate of hostility. If Israel is considering a ceasefire to stave off UN action, it raises the question: Are we witnessing a genuine movement towards peace, or just tactical steps in a larger game of international diplomacy?
**Interviewer**: Absolutely. We’ve seen varying responses to these developments across the political spectrum. Given these complexities, what do you believe readers should consider when evaluating the potential for a lasting resolution in this region?
**Dr. Cohen**: I think readers should critically assess the motivations behind these actions. Is the movement towards negotiations a genuine effort for peace, or is it driven by external political pressures? Furthermore, how do the voices of those affected—like the families of prisoners—fit into this narrative? Engaging with these questions can lead to a deeper understanding of the ongoing dynamics and the realities on the ground.
**Interviewer**: That’s a thought-provoking point. Given the intricate web of relationships and tensions, how do you think these developments will shape public perception and potential opposition within both Israel and Lebanon?
**Dr. Cohen**: The public perception will play a crucial role. If citizens feel their governments are prioritizing political maneuvering over their security and rights, that could spark significant dissent. In Israel, for instance, families advocating for prisoner exchanges may clash with those demanding a tougher stance on security. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, the insistence on protecting sovereignty might unify different factions against perceived external pressures. It’s vital for readers to understand these layers and engage in these debates actively.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for sharing your insights on this complex situation. As these developments unfold, we’re sure to see more discussions arise around peace, negotiations, and the roles of both nations’ leadership.
**Dr. Cohen**: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep this conversation alive as it evolves.
