Barrow said during a parliamentary session after his visit to Israel last week: “Israeli officials are increasingly repeating a condition… Today in Israel we hear voices demanding that we retain the ability to launch strikes at any moment and even invade Lebanon, as is the case with neighboring Syria.”
Reuters pointed out that “a number of diplomats believe that it will be almost impossible to convince the Lebanese factions or Lebanon to accept any proposal that includes this demand.”
Barrow, who held talks with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and new Defense Minister Yisrael Katz last week, added: “There is no point in France leading initiatives on Lebanon alone given its need for the United States to convince Israel. Likewise, there is no point in Washington moving alone because it will lack the An accurate assessment of the internal political dynamics in Lebanon.”
The coordination process between Paris and the outgoing US administration to reach a ceasefire became more complex, as the US envoy to Lebanon, Amos Hochstein, focused on his own proposals.
There has been no comment yet from Israel on Barrow’s statements, but Katz had said on Thursday during his visit to the Northern Command, accompanied by Chief of Staff Major General Herzi Halevy and Commander of the Northern Command Major General Uri Gordin: “We will not allow any arrangement in Lebanon that does not include achieving the goals of the war, and above all.” “Israel’s right to subdue and prevent terrorism on its own.”
He added: “We will not announce any ceasefire. We will not take our foot off the pedal, that is, we will continue and will not allow any series (agreement) that does not include achieving the goals of the war, which are the disarmament of the Lebanese factions and their withdrawal beyond the Litani, and creating conditions for the residents of the north to return to their homes safely.”
These statements by Katz come against the backdrop of contacts with the United States to reach a settlement on the northern border, which is considered to be in the final stages of its formulation, with Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer leading the moves before Washington.
For his part, the Secretary-General of the Lebanese faction movement, Naim Qassem, confirmed last Wednesday that there will be no path to indirect ceasefire negotiations other than Israel stopping its attacks on Lebanon.
He added: “The basis of any negotiation is built on two things: stopping the aggression and that the ceiling of the negotiation be the complete protection of Lebanese sovereignty, and that only developments on the battlefield, not political movements, will put an end to the hostilities.”
He pointed out that “there will be no path to indirect negotiations through the Lebanese state unless Israel stops its attacks on Lebanon.”
Source: Reuters + RT
#French #Foreign #Minister #Israel #retain #possibility #striking #Lebanon #ceasefire
How does international diplomacy, specifically the roles of France and the U.S., affect the potential for peace and stability in Israeli-Lebanese relations?
**Interview with Expert on Middle Eastern Affairs**
**Editor:** Today, we’re discussing the ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon in the wake of recent statements made by Barrow, a key diplomat. Joining us is Dr. Sarah El-Amin, an expert in Middle Eastern politics. Thank you for being here, Dr. El-Amin.
**Dr. El-Amin:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** Let’s dive right into it. Barrow mentioned that there are growing demands within Israel to maintain the military option open concerning Lebanon. Given the ongoing strikes reported by Israel on Lebanese territory, how significant do you think this military posture is in the context of regional dynamics?
**Dr. El-Amin:** The military posture is extremely significant. It reflects Israel’s ongoing security concerns, particularly regarding Hezbollah’s capabilities. The number of Israeli strikes on Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah, indicates a proactive strategy in what Israel perceives as a pressing security threat. As we’ve seen, Barrow’s comments suggest that some Israeli officials may be advocating for a more aggressive approach, which could lead to an escalation of conflict, similar to tensions in Syria.
**Editor:** As you mentioned, Barrow noted that convincing Lebanese factions to accept any proposal from Israel that includes these military demands would be nearly impossible. What are the internal dynamics in Lebanon that complicate this situation?
**Dr. El-Amin:** Lebanon has a complex political landscape, characterized by various factions with divergent interests, including Hezbollah, which holds significant influence. The Lebanese political environment is shaped by historical grievances and ongoing sectarian divides. Any proposal perceived as allowing Israeli military action could be seen as an infringement on Lebanese sovereignty, further entrenching resistance and opposition to such demands within the country.
**Editor:** Barrow also emphasized the importance of coordination between France and the U.S. regarding Lebanon. How crucial is this international diplomacy in shaping the future of Israeli-Lebanese relations?
**Dr. El-Amin:** International diplomacy is crucial. The dynamics in Lebanon are, in many ways, affected by outside influences. France has historical ties to Lebanon, while the U.S. has major influence over Israeli policies. For any peace initiatives to succeed, there needs to be a unified approach where both the U.S. and France work collaboratively. Disjointed efforts could lead to further misunderstandings and potentially exacerbate tensions rather than alleviating them.
**Editor:** It seems like the path forward is complex. What should we be looking for in the coming weeks that might signal a shift in this situation?
**Dr. El-Amin:** We should closely monitor statements from Israeli leadership and any developments regarding military actions or ceasefire talks. Also, any diplomatic engagements or shifts in the positions of key players, such as France and the U.S., could indicate a willingness to negotiate. grassroots responses within Lebanon as factions react to international proposals might also impact the broader strategic landscape.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. El-Amin. It’s a developing situation, and your expertise helps to clarify the complexities involved.
**Dr. El-Amin:** My pleasure. Thank you for having me.
