There can be no negotiations with Israel without a cessation of the war raging in Lebanon despite the ceasefire. This was stated on Monday (04/05) by the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, who is the highest-ranking Shiite politician and close ally of Hezbollah, Nabih Berri. These comments came as Israeli forces ordered residents of four more villages in Lebanon to abandon their homes, while highlighting the challenges facing American peace efforts between the states.
Read: Lebanon: Israeli armed forces blow up 140-meter Hezbollah tunnel – Impressive video
The Israel-Lebanon dispute and the positions of Washington and Tehran
It should be recalled that, following the joint American-Israeli attack against Iran on February 28th, Israel also invaded Lebanon in March with the aim of eliminating Hezbollah – the pro-Iranian, Shiite armed organization – which opened fire across the border to support Tehran.
For its part, Iran maintains that any agreement to end the broader war must stop the conflict in Lebanon. However, the US states that these are separate issues.
Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire in mid-April, which has since been extended through May. However, while clashes have been minimized, they have not ceased. Israel continues its occupation of southern Lebanon and the demolition of villages there, while Hezbollah continues attacks against Israeli forces.
Lebanon: All negotiations rejected if attacks don’t stop
Berri told the Lebanese newspaper An-Nahar that the priority must be “to stop the war before any political course” and that he rejects any negotiations without guarantees that Israel will stop its attacks, according to a summary of his statements released by his office.
At the same time, the Israeli army today issued a warning to residents of four villages, beyond the so-called “security zone,” to immediately abandon their homes, accusing Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire and declaring its intention to act against it.
Hezbollah announced that it carried out 11 operations against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon yesterday, Sunday.
The Lebanese government desires a permanent agreement with Israel that will end a continuous cycle of Israeli invasions and strikes, without going so far as to declare that it wants a peace agreement. Israel maintains that any agreement must provide for the definitive disarmament of Hezbollah.
Joseph Aoun supports negotiations
American President Donald Trump, who hosted envoys from both countries for ceasefire talks last month, stated that there is a “great possibility” of reaching a peace agreement this year and that he wants to soon host a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Hezbollah and Berri oppose private meetings.
Aoun has stated that he supports ambassador-level talks with Israel aimed at achieving a ceasefire, followed by expanded talks on Lebanon’s other demands, such as the complete withdrawal of Israelis, the return of the displaced, and the release of those detained by Israel.
It should be noted that, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, more than 2,600 people have been killed in the war since March 2nd. Israel states that 17 of its soldiers have been killed in southern Lebanon while two civilians have been killed by Hezbollah attacks.
