– Advertisement –
Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, under American mediation, are progressing towards a ceasefire agreement which will include a clause recognizing each party’s right to defend itself in the event of attack. This provision, initially a source of disagreement, was revised to satisfy both parties.
The right to self-defense guaranteed
According to LBCI, one of the most thorny issues, the right to self-defense, has been resolved. Lebanese sources cited by Sky News Arabia clarified that the new wording of the agreement stipulates that each party has the right to defend itself if attacked. The United States would guarantee, as part of the deal, that Israel will not carry out pre-emptive strikes against Lebanon.
Intensive negotiations with Amos Hochstein
US mediator Amos Hochstein holds detailed discussions with Israeli and Lebanese officials, in what looks like “indirect negotiations”, according to Lebanese news portal Elnashra. These discussions aim to finalize the smallest details to avoid any “surprises” when Hochstein presents the draft agreement to Israeli officials on Thursday.
Hochstein held a second meeting on Wednesday with the President of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri, after a first meeting the day before. The American mediator and Ali Hamdan, Berri’s adviser, spent several hours Tuesday adjusting technical aspects of the proposed deal.
A positive atmosphere
Sources close to Ain el-Tineh, cited by Al-Jadeed, described the atmosphere of the negotiations as “positive and better than yesterday”, adding that the proof is that Hochstein is traveling to Tel Aviv today today to continue discussions with Israeli officials.
A diplomat based in Lebanon, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that changes had been made to the American plan, following discussions between Hochstein and Lebanese officials.
Next steps
The deal, if finalized, could end months of intensified conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The terms would include guarantees from the United States to prevent any escalation, as well as a commitment from both sides to uphold their obligations.
– Advertisement –
