Ceasefire or Conflict: Lebanon’s Dilemma Before Possible Blackmail
Damage after Israeli air strikes on the historic ‘Al Manshiya’ building near the Roman ruins of Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon Nov 15, 2024 Photo: EFE
November 15, 2024 Hour: 9:20 pm
However, Lebanese media claim that this initiative is more of an imposition aimed at pressuring Lebanon to accept the terms set forth by Washington and Tel Aviv. Berri has commented on the situation, indicating that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems not to grasp the nature of negotiations with Lebanon.
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Lebanon is in a delicate situation regarding the recent ceasefire proposal presented by the United States and Israel, which has been described as “blackmail.”
This proposal, according to various sources, arises from a “unilateral understanding” between the two countries concerning security conditions demanded by Israel, and it has been communicated to Beirut as a formal offer.
The U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, delivered a draft of this proposal to the Lebanese Parliament Speaker, Nabih Berri, who later shared it with Hezbollah.
However, Lebanese media claim that this initiative is more of an imposition aimed at pressuring Lebanon to accept the terms set forth by Washington and Tel Aviv. Berri has commented on the situation, indicating that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems not to grasp the nature of negotiations with Lebanon.
According to the newspaper Al-Akhbar, the proposal is framed as a choice between accepting the conditions or facing a more intense conflict in the coming months. The proposal includes amendments to UN Resolution 1701, which seeks to “monitor” its implementation—a request that Lebanon has recently rejected.
Additionally, it demands international guarantees to prevent Hezbollah from rearming and calls for the deployment of Lebanese army forces and UNIFIL troops to control routes into Lebanon. Furthermore, Israel reserves the right to conduct additional attacks if these conditions are deemed unmet.
However, no guarantees have been provided to Lebanon regarding Israel’s compliance with Resolution 1701, which has already been violated multiple times. There is also an additional document that would allow Israel to maintain its “freedom of military action” if the new proposed terms are not fulfilled.
This situation is exacerbated as Israel intensifies both ground and air operations in Lebanon while Hezbollah responds with attacks.
Diplomatic tensions have significantly increased in recent weeks, particularly following contradictory statements from Johnson.
In recent discussions with Lebanese political leaders, she urged preparations for a future without Hezbollah, suggesting that the group would be unable to maintain its influence over state institutions and border points.
Autor: MLM
Fuente: al-akhba - reuters - the cradle
