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US envoy Amos Hochstein received no indication from Beirut that calm in southern Lebanon would be reinstated before a ceasefire in Gaza. Hochstein realized that his counterparts within the Lebanese government were nothing more than mere messengers for Hezbollah. The Shiite formation is adamant about pursuing its assaults against the Israeli army, refusing to stop hostilities unless a ceasefire is brokered in Gaza.
Hochstein delivered a message to the Lebanese authorities, asserting that Israel wishes to relocate its settlers to the northern settlements. Therefore, calm must prevail along the borders, and any failure to do so might push influential factions within Israel to advocate for an all-encompassing war against Lebanon.
Some sources indicated that Hochstein proposed a Hezbollah withdrawal from the border, extending 8 kilometers but not reaching beyond the northern Litani River. In return, the Lebanese army would deploy approximately 10,000 Lebanese troops in the border region, with the help of the United States. Hochstein qualified this proposition as a pivotal condition that would help achieve a win-win situation.
In turn, this would allow Israel to relocate the settlers to the northern communities, in exchange for the return of displaced Lebanese residents to their villages and border towns.
Well-informed sources privy to Hochstein’s discussions disclosed that Hezbollah adamantly opposes such a proposition, maintaining a firm position that discussions regarding any arrangements or agreements should only occur until a ceasefire is secured in Gaza. A source within the pro-Iranian movement underscored that initial messages received during the early stages of the conflict were solely centered on pleading for a ceasefire. However, the current requests include a call for stopping all hostilities in exchange for an agreement on resolving border issues. The source emphasized the Hezb’s reluctance to engage in discussions on this matter until the war comes to an end. Only then, all other options could be explored.
