A U.S. official has dismissed reports of normalization between Israel and Lebanon as “overblown,” emphasizing that the main goal is to secure borders and eliminate Hezbollah’s influence. The focus is on upcoming negotiations surrounding border security and the status of hostages rather than immediate diplomatic ties.
Reports suggesting that Israel and Lebanon are pursuing normalization of relations have been described as “overblown” by a U.S. official, emphasizing that such claims could hinder ongoing discussions on border security. The official, who requested anonymity, stated that the primary objective is to remove Hezbollah and corrupt officials from Lebanon rather than establishing formal diplomatic ties.
Recent Israeli media claims stem from a senior Israeli official’s assertion illustrating a move towards diplomatic relations shortly after a ceasefire was established following military actions against Hezbollah. However, the current focus is on ensuring border security and addressing the threats posed by Iran-backed terrorist groups.
The political landscape in the Middle East has changed significantly since the Trump administration, which aimed for formal diplomatic relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Presently, Israel is grappling with the aftermath of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas, which has resulted in numerous hostages.
Efforts to discuss the status of hostages and border disputes are being initiated among American, Israeli, and Lebanese officials. Preliminary talks, although anticipated to commence in April, will prioritize the removal of Hezbollah’s threat to Israel. The official reiterated that proposals for formal ties akin to those with the UAE and Bahrain are deemed “premature” at this juncture.
In conclusion, the U.S. official’s remarks underscore that while reports of normalization between Israel and Lebanon circulate, the immediate focus is on enhancing border security and mitigating Hezbollah’s presence. Given the complexities surrounding the region’s security, any formal diplomatic relations may still be a distant prospect. Negotiations involving multiple stakeholders highlight the intricate dynamics at play and the importance of stability in Lebanon.
Original Source: wfin.com
