Hezbollah signals openness to a U.S.-brokered peace deal with Israel, according to diplomatic sources. Amos Hochstein, senior adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to visit Lebanon and Israel to discuss a ceasefire agreement between Tel Aviv and Hezbollah.
According to Al-Arabiya, citing sources involved in the negotiations, Hezbollah has shown ‘positive signs’ toward accepting a deal, though no definitive agreement has been reached on Washington’s draft proposal sent to Beirut last week.
Lebanese media reports indicate Hochstein will conduct talks in Beirut tomorrow. Israeli state television KAN confirmed Hochstein’s expected arrival in Tel Aviv following the Lebanese discussions.
The report, citing unnamed officials, indicated ‘significant progress’ in indirect negotiations toward a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Lebanese media reported that U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson delivered a draft ceasefire agreement to Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri last week.
Berri, who maintains close ties with Hezbollah, represents both the Lebanese government and Hezbollah in negotiations. His team continues to analyze the proposal, with Hezbollah expected to present their official response today.
Key terms of the draft agreement include: Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon within 7 days. Lebanese army deployment as replacement forces. U.S. and partner nation supervision of the withdrawal. 60-day timeline for disarmament of regional groups. Arms monitoring protocols aligned with UNSC Resolution 1701.
Major points of contention include: Definition of “self-defense rights”. Structure of international monitoring force. Composition of supervision teams.
The proposed international force would operate separately from UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) and include Arab nations alongside France, Germany, Britain, and the United States, though Hezbollah opposes German and British participation.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position remains unclear, sources indicate reluctance to grant President Biden a diplomatic victory. However, Al-Arabiya reports that former President Donald Trump supports swift conflict resolution, despite opposition from his transition team and Republican lawmakers.
Notable concerns arise from previous negotiations, where Israel disrupted progress by assassinating a Hezbollah leader after initial agreement. Similarly, the recent killing of Hezbollah press officer Mohammed Afif raises questions about current diplomatic efforts.
