American sources estimate that a settlement between Israel and Hezbollah is possible without resorting to war and without a Gaza exchange deal.
Washington has requested Qatar’s assistance in mediating the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
According to the Israeli newspaper “Yedioth Ahronoth,” this potential settlement could be achieved without Hezbollah’s condition of ending the war in Gaza, which includes moving heavy weapons away from the Israeli border and the economic rehabilitation of Lebanon.
These efforts align with American initiatives to resolve in the north through a settlement.
This comes amid statements from Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and reports about the buffer zone established in southern Lebanon.
The US has also deployed the USS Wasp and USS Oak Hill to the area, vessels used for transporting Marines, vehicles, and cargo.
The US has reportedly asked Qatar to mediate in resolving the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, as per sources cited by “The Washington Post.”
Qatar has previously facilitated negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a truce in Gaza and has now received a request from the Biden administration to help ease tensions between Hezbollah and Israel along the Lebanese border.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has expressed concern over the recent escalation on Lebanon’s southern border.
UNIFIL Deputy Spokesperson Candice Ardell stated that there are fears of the situation worsening, particularly given the recent events and heightened rhetoric.
She emphasized that UNIFIL is working on the ground to maintain peace, reduce escalation, and communicate with both sides to prevent misunderstandings.
In a notable move, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited the south yesterday to oversee the start of official exams.
During his visit, he reiterated that the Lebanese army is the nation’s shield and protector, underscoring Lebanon’s commitment to UN Resolution 1701 and hoping to avoid an expanded conflict in southern Lebanon.
Mikati described Israeli threats of war as psychological warfare and assured that Lebanon would overcome this phase. He called for Israel to cease its repeated attacks on Lebanon and halt the war in Gaza, stressing the need for all parties to adhere to international Resolution 2735.
Mikati’s visit coincides with a surge of Israeli threats and diplomatic warnings, reinforcing that while Israel does not desire war with Lebanon, it is prepared for it, and similarly, Hezbollah is ready if conflict occurs.
This balance has restored equilibrium to the situation, which had recently been leaning towards a scenario of extensive war.
