Israel Sets Conditions for Peace in Lebanon – Axios Report

In a recent Axios report, Israel has outlined the conditions required for peace with Lebanon, focusing on Hezbollah’s disarmament and regional stability as key factors.

According to a report by Axios on Monday, Israel has allegedly insisted that the US permit the Israel Defense Force (IDF) unrestricted operations in southern Lebanon as a prerequisite for ending the conflict in the region. The information comes from two Israeli and two American officials.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office reportedly sent a list of demands to the White House last week, in anticipation of US President Joe Biden’s envoy, Amos Hochstein’s visit to Beirut on Monday. During his visit, he is expected to discuss potential diplomatic solutions for the Lebanon conflict.

According to Israeli officials who spoke with Axios, the documents are said to outline two primary demands. The first demand is for the IDF to have permission for “active enforcement” measures aimed at preventing Hezbollah militants from rearming and reconstructing their military infrastructure in southern Lebanon close to the Israeli border. The second demand seeks authorization for the air force to operate freely within Lebanese airspace, as reported by Axios.

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A U.S. official informed the publication that it is very unlikely for either Lebanon or the international community to accept Israel’s demands, as they conflict with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon to be upheld by the Lebanese Armed Forces and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

An Israeli official told Axios that the proposal from West Jerusalem aims to enhance enforcement in line with the UN resolution. He stated, “Our primary message is that if the Lebanese army and UNIFIL increase their efforts, the IDF will decrease theirs, and vice versa.”

The Axios report has not received any comments from either the US or Israel.

On Sunday night, the IDF executed additional airstrikes across Lebanon, focusing on branches of Al Qard Al-Hassan Association—a financial institution that Israel alleges is operated by Hezbollah to oversee its finances. Explosions were reported in Beirut, southern Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley.