Israel Allegedly Conveys Demands to US to End Attacks on Lebanon
Israel has reportedly sent a list of demands to the United States in an effort to end attacks on Lebanon, according to a report from Walla news site. The document, prepared by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, was allegedly sent to the White House prior to the visit of US President Joe Biden’s Senior Advisor to Beirut.
Among the demands made by Israel to halt attacks on Lebanon is the request for permission for the Israeli army to take action to prevent Hezbollah from rearming and rebuilding its military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Additionally, Israel is seeking “freedom of operations” for its Air Force in Lebanese airspace.
These demands are said to be in contradiction with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which requires Israel to withdraw behind the Blue Line and demilitarize the area between the Blue Line and the Litani River in Lebanon.
An unnamed US official has expressed concern that accepting Israel’s demands would weaken Lebanon’s sovereignty, and it is unlikely that the Beirut administration will agree to the conditions.
In a separate development, Biden’s Senior Advisor Amos Hochstein is scheduled to visit Beirut today to meet with Lebanese officials as part of efforts to establish a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The ongoing tensions in the region highlight the complex dynamics at play in the Middle East, with competing interests and security concerns at the forefront of diplomatic discussions.
