U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff pressures Lebanon to engage directly with Israel over political negotiations and Hezbollah’s military presence, outlining strict conditions for reconstruction and border agreements, signaling a shift in U.S. expectations for Lebanon’s political strategy.
The United States has expressed dissatisfaction with Lebanon’s approach to Hezbollah, urging for direct political negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv. U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, conveyed that Washington considers the Lebanese government’s strategy towards Hezbollah ineffective, emphasizing the necessity for a change in approach.
Witkoff indicated that Lebanon is expected to initiate face-to-face negotiations with Israel, with a civilian representative leading the discussions. The Israeli side would be represented by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who is closely allied with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The U.S. envoy outlined stringent conditions associated with Lebanon’s reconstruction and territorial disputes with Israel. He asserted that reconstruction in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa region, or Beirut’s southern suburbs will only commence following a political resolution with Israel. Additionally, displaced residents’ return to frontline towns is contingent upon the establishment of such an agreement.
Furthermore, Witkoff mentioned that Israel would maintain control over five disputed border points for approximately one year, delaying a broader settlement regarding the 13 contested areas until it aligns with Washington’s strategy. However, there is a possibility that Israel might withdraw from some points before Lebanon’s upcoming parliamentary elections.
Regarding Hezbollah’s military capability, Witkoff asserted that the group must disarm, emphasizing that this includes areas beyond the South Litani region, as required by U.N. Resolution 1701, extending to all areas of Hezbollah’s deployment, such as the Northern Litani region and the Bekaa Valley. This assertive stance illustrates escalating U.S. pressure on Lebanon to revise its political position on Hezbollah and border negotiations with Israel.
In summary, the U.S. is pressing Lebanon to adopt a more proactive stance towards negotiations with Israel regarding border disputes and Hezbollah’s disarmament. The insistence on direct talks and strategic conditions for reconstruction illustrates an urgent call for political transformation in Lebanon, reflecting heightened U.S. involvement in regional dynamics.
Original Source: www.lbcgroup.tv
