Washington – US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken confirmed on Thursday that Israel and Lebanon are moving toward reaching understandings on what is required to implement the United Nations resolution that will be the basis for ending the current conflict.
The UN Security Council adopted Resolution No. 1701 in 2006 with the aim of maintaining peace on the border between Lebanon and Israel, but it was frequently violated.
“It is important to ensure that there is a clear understanding, whether from Lebanon or from Israel, of what is required under Resolution 1701 to ensure its effective implementation,” Blinken said in a press conference.
He added, “I can tell you, based on my recent visit to the region, that work is now underway and we have made good progress in these understandings.”
He said that although good progress had been made, more work remained to be done.
There has been fighting between Israel and Lebanese factions since last year, in parallel with Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip, after the Lebanese group struck Israeli targets in solidarity with its ally, the Palestinian faction movement in the Palestinian Strip.
The conflict in Lebanon has greatly worsened in the past five weeks, during which most of the 2,800 deaths occurred, which is the toll monitored by the Lebanese Ministry of Health in the past twelve months.
Najib Mikati, Prime Minister of Lebanon’s caretaker government, expressed on Wednesday his hope that a ceasefire agreement with Israel would be announced within days.
The Israeli public broadcaster (Radio Kan) published what it said was a draft agreement stipulating an initial truce of 60 days.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a press conference on Thursday alongside Blinken and their South Korean counterparts that he hopes the United States will witness a transformation in Lebanon soon, but he did not elaborate on the details.
Austin added, “We hope to witness a transformation in Lebanon in the not-too-distant future.” “I think there is a chance for that to happen.” He said the United States will continue to press to ensure this happens as soon as possible.
Reuters
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**Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, Middle Eastern Affairs Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. Recent developments indicate that Israel and Lebanon are looking towards UN Resolution 1701 as a framework for resolving their current conflict. Can you explain the significance of this resolution?
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. UN Resolution 1701 was adopted in 2006 after the Second Lebanon War, with the intention of establishing a framework for peace and security along the Israel-Lebanon border. It calls for a cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the disarmament of armed groups like Hezbollah. While it has served as a foundation for peace efforts, violations have been frequent, and the resolution’s intent has often been undermined.
**Editor:** With Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirming movements towards understanding, what would implementing this resolution entail for both sides?
**Dr. Thompson:** Implementing Resolution 1701 would require both Israel and Lebanon to agree on the terms laid out in the resolution. This includes ensuring that any unauthorized armed groups are disarmed and that both parties respect the ceasefire. It would also necessitate international support to monitor compliance and address violations—something that has been challenging in the past.
**Editor:** Given the history of this resolution and ongoing tensions, do you think there is realistic hope for a sustainable peace?
**Dr. Thompson:** It’s a complex situation. The historical mistrust between Israel and Hezbollah, ongoing regional dynamics, and local political pressures all pose significant challenges. However, if both parties are genuinely committed to dialogue and willing to adhere to mutual understandings, there could be an opportunity for a more stable arrangement. The key will be sustained international engagement and support to enforce the terms of peace.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how this situation develops.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. The coming weeks will be crucial, and it’s essential to stay engaged with the developments.
