Israel is focusing on normalizing relations with Lebanon after its military advantage over Hezbollah. The U.S. is facilitating discussions on border disputes and detainee returns. While Lebanon has historically resisted normalization, the situation is evolving against the backdrop of regional politics and the need for security, especially concerning Hezbollah’s weakened position.
Israel has shifted its focus toward normalizing relations with Lebanon following significant military success against Hezbollah. This change has raised questions about whether Lebanon, identified consistently as the last Arab nation to consider such an agreement, might be compelled to alter its long-standing position amidst evolving regional dynamics. The United States, partnering with France, is facilitating discussions aimed at addressing various issues, including border disputes and the return of Lebanese detainees.
Negotiations have emerged from the ceasefire agreement established on November 27, which concluded hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Central to the dialogue are 13 contested border points along the temporary U.N. Blue Line, alongside five strategic positions that Israel retained after its withdrawal in February. The recent U.S. diplomatic initiative has already resulted in the release of five Lebanese detainees.
The discussions revolve primarily around securing the return of all prisoners and resolving disputes related to the border. An official Lebanese source indicated their desire for complete Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories, reiterating Lebanon’s firm stance against any presence of Israeli forces. Nonetheless, Israeli leadership has expressed intentions to maintain a presence at these strategic points indefinitely.
Retired Brigadier General Hassan Jouni noted that the five positions should not be on the negotiating table, emphasizing that they were to be vacated at the time of withdrawal. Jouni suggested that Israel’s refusal may aim at deriving further political advantages or enhancing its security. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s regional relations constrain its autonomy in decision-making concerning normalization.
The prospect of peace between Israel and Lebanon hinges on the U.S.-backed discussions surrounding border demarcation. Professor Hilal Khashan from the American University of Beirut stated that Israel’s intent to negotiate rests on Lebanon’s commitment to sign a peace treaty, which remains uncertain. The political climate within Lebanon has shifted to discourage armed resistance by groups like Hezbollah, particularly given its weakened position post-conflict.
The Lebanese government’s adherence to U.N. Resolution 1701 implies a move towards disarming Hezbollah, a significant transformation that affects all sectors of Lebanese society. Khashan emphasized that any failure in diplomacy could lead to profound consequences and underscored that normalization with Israel should precede any similar developments with Saudi Arabia.
The future of normalization in the region depends heavily on various factors, including the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While Saudi Arabia is positioned to lead potential negotiations toward regional peace agreements, any movements towards normalization with Israel may follow a more complex diplomatic route, one laden with challenges tracing back to unresolved historical grievances and political aspirations.
In conclusion, Israel’s renewed push for normalization with Lebanon marks a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape following its military successes against Hezbollah. While Lebanon’s governmental position remains resistant to normalization without substantial concessions, ongoing U.S. mediation may influence future diplomatic outcomes. The potential normalization holds significant implications for regional stability, especially in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the dynamics surrounding Hezbollah’s influence. Accordingly, the road ahead is intricately tied to negotiation success and broader shifts in regional political dynamics.
Original Source: www.upi.com
