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
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– What are the implications of Israel’s military rhetoric for regional stability and security in Lebanon?
**Interview with Political Analyst John Barrow: Current Tensions in the Israel-Lebanon Context**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, John. Let’s start with your recent comments during the parliamentary session about the escalating military rhetoric from Israeli officials. What do you think this implies for the region?
**John Barrow**: Thank you for having me. My statements reflect a growing sentiment in Israel, where some officials advocate for retaining a military option against Lebanon similar to their approach in Syria. This creates a precarious situation, as it indicates a willingness to escalate military actions at any moment. This mindset is alarming considering the delicate balance of power in the region.
**Interviewer**: Reuters reported that many diplomats believe it will be nearly impossible to convince Lebanese factions to accept proposals that include military options. Why do you think that is?
**John Barrow**: The Lebanese political landscape is incredibly complex. Different factions have varying interests, and many of them are deeply opposed to any foreign military interventions, especially from Israel. Historical grievances, coupled with national pride, make it very difficult for Lebanon to agree to proposals that compromise its sovereignty. Any expectation of compliance based on military threats is likely to be met with resistance.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned the need for the U.S. and France to coordinate efforts regarding Lebanon. Could you elaborate on that?
**John Barrow**: Absolutely. My discussions highlighted that France alone lacks the leverage to lead initiatives effectively without U.S. support, particularly to convince Israel to moderate its stance. Similarly, the U.S. needs to be aware of the internal political dynamics in Lebanon, which are essential for any meaningful proposal. A unilateral approach will not yield constructive results.
**Interviewer**: You’ve been quite vocal about the complexities of U.S. diplomatic efforts, especially with the outgoing administration. Could you explain the current situation regarding U.S. mediation?
**John Barrow**: The coordination among major powers has become increasingly convoluted. The U.S. envoy, Amos Hochstein, has his own proposals, which may not align with broader international efforts. This fragmentation can lead to contradictory approaches that ultimately undermine the credibility of any ceasefire initiatives. A unified front is essential for progress.
**Interviewer**: do you think there’s any hope for de-escalation given the current climate?
**John Barrow**: Hope exists, but it requires significant diplomatic engagement from all involved parties. A genuine commitment to understanding and addressing the root causes of tension is needed. Whether that hope translates into tangible outcomes will depend largely on the willingness of both Israeli and Lebanese leaders to prioritize peace over military posturing.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, John, for your insights. It’s a complex situation, and your perspectives shed light on the ongoing challenges.
**John Barrow**: Thank you for having me. I hope for a peaceful resolution soon.
