Morgan Ortagus, the U.S. Deputy Presidential Special Envoy, advocates for a peace agreement between Lebanon and Israel, focusing on diplomatic negotiations about prisoners and borders. Urgency is placed on these talks amidst the current Lebanese political landscape, despite constitutional challenges and past negative experiences with normalization.
US Urges Lebanon for Normalization with Israel
In a significant development, Morgan Ortagus, the Deputy Presidential Special Envoy to the Middle East, emphasized that the ultimate outcome regarding Lebanon’s current events must be a peace agreement with Israel. In an interview with Lebanese Al-Jadeed TV, Ortagus outlined the goal of initiating diplomatic negotiations involving three working groups to address crucial issues, including the release of Lebanese prisoners and demarcating land borders.
Further clarifying the negotiations, Ortagus stated that there is no need for diplomatic groups to discuss the release of Lebanese prisoners, as Lebanon has no prisoners in Israel to negotiate over. Steve Witkoff, another U.S. envoy, indicated that there is urgency for peace talks with Lebanon and Syria, expressing hope for Riyadh’s participation in the Abraham Accords, which could extend to Lebanon.
Prior to Lebanon’s presidential elections, U.S. embassy officials interrogated several candidates regarding their stance on normalization with Israel and the Hezbollah weaponry situation. American officials, including Ambassador Lisa Johnson, articulated the necessity for Lebanon to prepare for a comprehensive agreement with Israel.
Despite U.S. assertions of Hezbollah’s political and military decline, local leaders should recognize the implications of normalization seen in past instances with Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority. The mandate of a UN committee monitoring Israeli violations has been constrained by U.S. directives, affecting Lebanon’s sovereignty. Lebanese leaders face the challenge of navigating a policy that contradicts constitutional prohibitions against direct engagement with Israeli officials while being mindful of the lessons from Syria’s ongoing turmoil.
In summary, the United States has taken a strong stance urging Lebanon to normalize relations with Israel, framing it as a necessity for peace. The ongoing negotiations involve sensitive matters impacting Lebanon’s sovereignty, particularly in relation to Hezbollah. As Lebanese officials consider the lessons learned from neighboring countries, they are confronted with the challenge of adhering to domestic constitutional restrictions while engaging in these diplomatic efforts. The situation remains intricate and requires careful evaluation by Lebanon’s leadership to avert past mistakes.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
