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Jerusalem — Despite increasing international pressure, Israel is not prepared to engage in a ceasefire with Hezbollah, as military operations against the Iranian-backed group continue.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened security consultations at the Defense Ministry on Monday night to discuss the nation’s response to a recent drone attack by Hezbollah and plans for a retaliatory strike against Iran.
According to a source familiar with the discussions, Israel has received indirect ceasefire requests from both Hezbollah and Iran. However, the Israeli government remains firm in its stance, indicating that it does not seek a ceasefire at this time.
The source noted, “Israel doesn’t want a ceasefire” as it continues its military campaign aimed at weakening Hezbollah’s capabilities in Lebanon.
The calls for a ceasefire have grown more pronounced in recent days, with significant pressure coming from the United States and the international community.
On Monday, the United Nations Security Council held two closed-door meetings in New York focusing on the situation in Lebanon.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has urged Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on multiple occasions to shift from a military approach to diplomacy regarding the ongoing conflict.
In recent statements, Austin emphasized the need for Israel to “pivot” from its military campaign against Hezbollah to diplomatic negotiations. This comes amid growing concerns over the escalating violence and its implications for regional stability.
Some analysts within Israel’s defense establishment estimate that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) may require months rather than weeks to effectively diminish Hezbollah’s military capabilities, particularly its ability to launch ground invasions or aerial attacks against Israel.
The IDF’s recent efforts have focused on showcasing Hezbollah’s extensive entrenchment along the Israeli-Lebanese border, utilizing civilian infrastructure as cover for its operations.
The potential for an Israeli strike on Iran could further complicate the situation, making discussions of security arrangements for a ceasefire appear premature.
Defense sources indicate that any ceasefire negotiations would need to address security requirements beyond the current framework, notably including the repositioning of Hezbollah forces.
U.S. officials have pushed for a return to the Litani River, as mandated under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which established the terms for the ceasefire following the Second Lebanon War in 2006.
However, achieving a ceasefire that meets the evolving security needs of Israel may require a different approach to Resolution 1701, which some believe has failed to address the complexities of the current situation.
Among the suggested components of a new ceasefire agreement, defense sources have mentioned the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent arms smuggling into Lebanon from Syria. This proposal raises additional complications, as it could impact Syria’s involvement in the conflict.
In addition to ensuring Hezbollah’s withdrawal, Israel is advocating for the ability to conduct targeted military operations within Lebanon to thwart any potential resurgence of Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon.
This includes the potential expansion of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) from 10,000 to 15,000 peacekeepers, with enhanced rules of engagement that would allow for more robust action against Hezbollah.
Moreover, Israeli defense officials are calling for formal authorization to gather intelligence on Hezbollah activities in southern Lebanon.
However, they caution that without credible indications that Hezbollah would accept an enhanced version of Resolution 1701—complete with effective enforcement measures—the details of a ceasefire arrangement may remain largely theoretical.
As Israel continues to grapple with its security challenges in the region, the prospect of negotiations appears uncertain.
The government’s current focus on military operations against Hezbollah underscores a broader strategy aimed at ensuring national security amidst growing threats.
The future of peace talks will depend on the evolving dynamics of the conflict and the willingness of all parties to engage in constructive dialogue.
The ongoing tensions highlight the complex interplay between military action and diplomatic efforts, as Israel navigates its response to both internal security threats and international calls for a de-escalation of hostilities.
With the military campaign still underway, the possibility of a ceasefire remains an elusive goal, as the government prioritizes operational objectives over diplomatic overtures.