As tensions escalate between Hezbollah and the Israeli military, reports indicate ongoing clashes in the southern Lebanese town of Khiam, with thick plumes of smoke rising above on the 21st. According to an Axios report on the 20th, citing two American and two Israeli officials, Israel submitted a document to the U.S. last week outlining stringent conditions for halting its military actions in Lebanon. U.S. envoy Hochstein visited Beirut on the 21st, aiming to discuss diplomatic solutions to the conflict as well as Israel’s demands. However, these conditions appear to conflict with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, making it unlikely that Lebanon and the international community would agree to them.
Israeli officials stated that one of the key conditions for a ceasefire with the Shiite militant group Hezbollah and allowing civilians to return to their homes along the Israel-Lebanon border is that the Israeli military must conduct “active enforcement operations.” This is intended to prevent Hezbollah from rearming and rebuilding military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Another demand is for the Israeli Air Force to have the freedom of operation within Lebanese airspace.
This document reportedly originated from discussions involving Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s close adviser, Strategic Affairs Minister Demmer, as well as personnel from the Israeli Defense Ministry and military. Demmer sent the document to Hochstein on the 17th.
However, these conditions are at odds with the Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates that the Lebanese government and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) oversee a ceasefire after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. A U.S. official remarked that these Israeli conditions would significantly infringe on Lebanon’s sovereignty, making it improbable for Lebanon and the international community to accept them.
Israeli officials contended that their focus is on reinforcing the enforcement of the aforementioned resolution, suggesting, “If the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL do more, then the Israeli military would need to do less, and vice versa.” The White House and the Israeli Embassy in Washington declined to comment on the matter.
Hochstein is expected to meet with Lebanese Acting Prime Minister Mikati and Parliament Speaker Berri, among others. Berri mentioned on the 20th that Hochstein’s visit represents a last chance for American election solutions to the Lebanese conflict, emphasizing that there is a consensus in Lebanon regarding the resolution and a refusal to amend it.
In addition, hostilities reignited on the 20th, with Lebanon’s National News Agency reporting Israeli forces targeting branches of financial institutions allegedly funding Hezbollah. Eleven bombings occurred in southern Beirut, with additional attacks concentrated in the Beqaa Valley and southern Lebanon.
The attacked establishments mostly included Al-Qard Al-Hassan, which the U.S. claims Hezbollah uses to manage financial resources. The Jerusalem Post reported that Hezbollah has used its deposits in this institution to purchase weapons.
Furthermore, according to a report by the Central News Agency citing AFP, the Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, Krug, stated on the 21st that as many as 1,000 women and children are expected to evacuate from the Gaza Strip to Europe for emergency medical care.
Additionally, Israeli military operations continue to intensify in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, with local residents and medical personnel reporting bombardments of residential buildings and the encirclement of schools and shelters designated for displaced individuals.
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