2024-11-18 10:30:00
As Israel continues its massive attacks on Lebanon, Hezbollah indicates willingness to negotiate. According to government circles in Lebanon, the pro-Iranian Shiite militia sees a draft for a ceasefire with Israel put forward by the USA as a basis for talks. According to Lebanese government sources, Hezbollah sees the US proposal for a ceasefire with Israel as “an opportunity to reach a framework for an agreement.”
But there is still a need for discussion for Hezbollah. She does not want to give the impression that she is unconditionally bowing to the demands of the Israelis. She fears that her reputation could be further diminished in the eyes of her supporters, who have already lost a lot in this war. In order to advance the negotiations, US special envoy Amos Hochstein is scheduled to travel to Beirut for talks on Tuesday, according to political circles in Lebanon. The media portal “Voice of Lebanon” also reported on the visit and quoted a Lebanese member of parliament.
US proposal: suspend attacks for 60 days
The proposal calls for Israel and Hezbollah to initially suspend their attacks for 60 days. The Israeli army is to leave Lebanon and Lebanese army soldiers are to be stationed at the border. Israel and Lebanon are also scheduled to hold negotiations on the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701 after 60 days. After the previous war in 2006, their goal was to end the fighting in the Lebanese-Israeli border area.
Meanwhile, fighting continued in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah said it fought battles with Israeli army ground troops. Hezbollah said its fighters attacked Israeli soldiers in Chiyam four times on Monday morning alone. The day before, the militia reported at least seven attacks on Israeli troops in the same area. Local media also reported renewed air and artillery attacks by the Israeli army.
Hezbollah says it is shelling Israel in support of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which carried out a massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023 that killed around 1,200 people. The Israeli military responded with air strikes and a ground offensive, killing more than 3,000 people in Lebanon, according to official figures.
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How might Iran’s reaction to the ceasefire proposal influence Hezbollah’s negotiations?
**Interview with Dr. Leila Mansour, Middle East Affairs Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Mansour. As the conflict between Israel and Lebanon escalates, we hear that Hezbollah is considering a ceasefire proposal put forth by the United States. What does this signify for the region?
**Dr. Mansour:** Thank you for having me. Hezbollah’s willingness to engage with the US-proposed ceasefire is a significant shift. It indicates that the group recognizes the need for a diplomatic solution amidst ongoing hostilities. For Lebanon, this could mean a break from constant violence, but it also opens up deeper discussions regarding the terms of any potential agreement.
**Interviewer:** What are the main concerns Hezbollah might have regarding this ceasefire proposal?
**Dr. Mansour:** Hezbollah is likely wary of conceding too much, especially given its position as a key player in Lebanon and its ties to Iran. They will want to ensure that any ceasefire does not undermine their military capabilities or regional influence. The language and conditions of the US proposal will be crucial in their negotiations.
**Interviewer:** How does the broader international community react to Hezbollah’s potential willingness to negotiate?
**Dr. Mansour:** The international community has a vested interest in stabilizing the region. There’s a delicate balance at play. While some actors may welcome Hezbollah’s openness to dialogue, others may view it as legitimizing a militant group. The US, in particular, will need to navigate these dynamics carefully to encourage dialogue without undermining its alliances in the region.
**Interviewer:** what should we watch for in the coming days regarding this situation?
**Dr. Mansour:** We should keep an eye on the specifics of the negotiations and how both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government leverage the ceasefire proposal. Additionally, reactions from Iran and other regional players will also be critical, as they may influence Hezbollah’s decision-making process. This situation is far from settled, and each step will carry significant implications for Lebanon and the surrounding areas.