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 potential consequences of Barrow’s remarks on Israeli military strategy for the stability of Lebanon and the broader region?
**Interview with Diplomatic Analyst, Sarah Thompson**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. Given the recent remarks by Barrow regarding Israeli military strategy toward Lebanon, could you elaborate on the implications of his statement that “Israeli officials are increasingly repeating a condition” for military action?
**Sarah Thompson**: Certainly. Barrow’s comments highlight a significant concern within Israeli defense circles about maintaining a readiness to strike at any moment in response to perceived threats. His statement suggests a persistent mindset among Israeli officials that prioritizes military options—potentially including ground invasions—similar to their operations in Syria. This reflects a broader strategic posture of deterrence and preemptive action that Israel has employed historically.
**Interviewer**: In light of these statements, what do you think are the chances of achieving a peaceful resolution, especially when Barrow notes that many diplomats believe it would be “almost impossible” to convince Lebanese factions to accept such demands?
**Sarah Thompson**: The chances for a peaceful resolution are significantly hampered if Israel continues to assert its right to military strikes as a condition for any negotiations. Lebanese factions, particularly those aligned with Hezbollah, are unlikely to accept any proposal that includes such terms as it undermines their sovereignty and security. This paradox creates a challenging diplomatic landscape; without mutual concessions, any ceasefire initiative is likely to falter.
**Interviewer**: Barrow also discussed the need for coordinated international efforts, particularly involving the US and France. Why is this coordination so vital in this context?
**Sarah Thompson**: Coordination is crucial because both the US and France have significant influence in the region, and their diplomatic efforts need to be aligned to exert effective pressure on all parties involved, including Israel and Lebanon. Barrow is correct that unilateral action—whether by France or the US—lacks a comprehensive understanding of the complex internal dynamics at play in Lebanon. Only through coordinated policies can they foster a viable dialog and potentially lead to a cessation of hostilities.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, with the complexity of the situation and ongoing military actions reported, including the recent strikes in southern Lebanon, how do you foresee this evolving in the near future?
**Sarah Thompson**: The evolution of this situation will largely depend on whether diplomatic channels can be effectively leveraged to de-escalate tensions. As the humanitarian situation in Lebanon worsens and casualties rise, international pressure could mount on Israel to reconsider its approach. However, if military posturing continues without any signs of genuine negotiation, we might see a further escalation of conflict, which would have dire consequences for both Israel and Lebanon.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Sarah, for your insightful analysis on this developing situation.
**Sarah Thompson**: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we stay informed about these developments, as they could significantly impact regional stability.
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