The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, expressed his position to the United States regarding the urgency that any agreement aimed at ending the conflict in Lebanon allows Israel to enforce the conditions. In a meeting in the Israeli capital with the U.S. mediator for the conflict in Lebanon, Amos Hochstein, Netanyahu's office stated that Israel's ability and determination to ensure its security from Lebanon is fundamental beyond the formal aspects of any pact.
Specifically, the possible request from Israel to use Lebanese airspace and actively participate in ensuring compliance with the agreement was mentioned, proposals that may not be accepted by the Lebanese authorities. Hochstein, accompanied by the White House coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Brett McGurk, sought in Israel a diplomatic agreement to end the war in Lebanon and allow the displaced to return to their homes on both borders.
During their visit, Hochstein and McGurk also met with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to discuss the situation in northern Israel and address efforts to free hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. Hochstein's mediation has been active for over a year in search of a peaceful resolution between Israel and the Hizbullah group.
Following an intense bombing campaign in Lebanon that has weakened the Iran-linked militia, Hizbullah has shown signs of flexibility. The possibility of a ceasefire independent of the offensive in Gaza has been well received by Lebanese officials, according to Axios. The agreement under discussion is based on UN Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war in Lebanon and provides for a ceasefire followed by a transitional period for the withdrawal of Hizbullah's heavy armaments and the presence of military and peacekeeping forces at the border.
