Israel/Lebanon - Ekhbary News Agency
Smotrich: Legitimacy to Dismantle Hezbollah Derives from Peace Deal with Lebanon
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared that the dismantling of "Hezbollah" will be undertaken by Israel alone, stressing that a future peace agreement with Lebanon will grant Tel Aviv the required legitimacy. Smotrich stated concurrently with the launch of direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington on Tuesday: "No one will dismantle Hezbollah on our behalf... but a peace agreement with Lebanon will grant us legitimacy."
Direct Negotiations Between Lebanon and Israel Under US Auspices
Direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel have commenced in Washington, a step described as a diplomatic path to end decades of animosity. A joint US-Israeli-Lebanese statement indicated that the parties have agreed to initiate direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and place. The United States seeks to bring the two countries together, with former US President Donald Trump expressing a desire for both nations to rid themselves of Hezbollah.
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Concurrent Military and Political Developments
These political developments coincide with ongoing fighting in southern Lebanon, where the city of Bint Jbeil has become a major flashpoint. The Israeli army announced that 10 of its soldiers were injured, three of them seriously, in a close-quarters engagement in southern Lebanon. In response, Hezbollah is conducting dozens of military operations and shelling northern settlements amidst the ongoing dialogue between Lebanon and Israel.
Divergent Stances on Negotiations
While Israel welcomes the negotiations, divergent stances are emerging from the Lebanese side. The "Amal" movement rejected the Washington meeting, considering direct negotiation with Israel unacceptable and insisting on a ceasefire through the mechanism committee. Hezbollah leader Nawaf Musawi also described negotiating with Israel as a "historic sin."
