Israel lays down its conditions to White House for ending war in Lebanon

Israel has submitted a document to the United States outlining its conditions for a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict in Lebanon which has been exclusively obtained by Axios. This development comes as President Biden’s envoy, Amos Hochstein, is set to visit Beirut to engage in discussions aimed at de-escalating tensions and facilitating the return of displaced civilians from both Israel and Lebanon.

Israeli officials, speaking to Axios, revealed that the document was delivered to the White House last week by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. The initiative was spearheaded by Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, a close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Dermer’s discussions with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) played a crucial role in shaping the principles outlined in the document.

Key among Israel’s demands is the need for the IDF to maintain “active enforcement” capabilities to prevent Hezbollah from rearming and rebuilding its military infrastructure in southern Lebanon, particularly in areas near the border. Additionally, Israel insists that its air force must have unrestricted operational freedom in Lebanese airspace. These conditions, however, present a significant challenge, as they directly contradict United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution mandates that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are responsible for enforcing a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

An Israeli official emphasized that the crux of their message revolves around enhancing the enforcement capabilities of both the Lebanese army and UNIFIL. “If the Lebanese army and UNIFIL do more, the IDF will do less and the other way around,” the official stated, suggesting a potential framework for cooperation.

As the conflict continues to impact civilians on both sides, the urgency for a diplomatic solution grows. The recent hostilities have led to significant displacement and humanitarian concerns, making the successful negotiation of these terms critical. Hochstein’s upcoming talks in Beirut are expected to address these issues, with the aim of achieving a ceasefire that meets Israel’s security needs while allowing for the safe return of displaced individuals. It is important to see how the White House reacts to these demands and their plans for Israel going forward.