The Western diplomatic source explained that “the results of the meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the American envoy Amos Hockstein witnessed progress in approaching the details of stopping the war, but Netanyahu put the issue of the arming of the Lebanese factions by the Iranians as an excuse for not stopping the war immediately.”
According to the Western diplomat, “Washington has become convinced that the Israeli Prime Minister wants to wait for the results of the American elections to determine the paths of the war: If the Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris wins, Netanyahu will try to ensure his interest and the interest of Tel Aviv in any draft agreement that Washington presents with the Iranians.”
He added, “If former President Donald Trump wins, Netanyahu will propose striking the Iranian nuclear reactor, before the latter’s official inauguration, and extending the war until early next year.”
The Western diplomat stressed that “Netanyahu’s scenarios are not inevitable, because surprises on the ground may change all his calculations,” and asserted that “stopping the war and entering into negotiations is still an option that can be implemented at any moment.”
A Washington Post report indicated that “the result of the vote between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris may have major implications for Israeli plans in the region.”
Media reports published on Friday stated that the US envoy to Lebanon, Amos Hockstein, asked Lebanon to declare a unilateral ceasefire with Israel as part of the ongoing negotiations in this regard.
Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, also affirmed, during a meeting with the head of the UNIFIL mission and its Commander-in-Chief, Major General Aroldo Lazaro, and the accompanying delegation, the Lebanese commitment to implementing Resolution 1701 to achieve security and stability.
Source: RT + agencies
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**Interview with Dr. Rachel Cohen, Expert in Middle Eastern Politics**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Cohen. There have been recent developments regarding the meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein. Can you give us your insights on the key takeaways from their discussion?
**Dr. Cohen:** Absolutely. The meeting was significant in that it demonstrated a willingness from both sides to engage more deeply on the issues at hand. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel cannot consider returning evacuees until there is a substantial change in the security situation in the north, particularly concerning armed Lebanese factions.
**Interviewer:** That’s an important point. How do you see Netanyahu’s stance on the arming of Lebanese factions influencing future negotiations?
**Dr. Cohen:** Netanyahu’s insistence on addressing the arming of these factions reflects Israel’s broader security concerns. It shows that while there may be progress in discussing the cessation of hostilities, fundamental security issues remain non-negotiable. If Hezbollah and other factions are armed and perceived as a threat, Israel is unlikely to make concessions regarding evacuees or other humanitarian issues.
**Interviewer:** What does this mean for the future of the conflict in the region?
**Dr. Cohen:** It indicates that any resolution will require a multi-faceted approach that not only addresses immediate ceasefire goals but also long-term security arrangements. The challenge will be finding common ground between the interests of Israel, Lebanon, and external powers involved, particularly the U.S.
**Interviewer:** How does the U.S. fit into all of this? What role can it play moving forward?
**Dr. Cohen:** The U.S. has historically played a mediating role in this region. By supporting Israel’s security needs while also advocating for humanitarian considerations, the U.S. can help bridge the gaps. However, it requires a delicate balance, especially since the situation can quickly escalate if security concerns are not adequately addressed.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Cohen. It will be interesting to see how these discussions evolve in the coming weeks.
**Dr. Cohen:** Thank you for having me! The situation is fluid, and the international community’s response will be crucial in shaping the next steps.
