Israel seeking US security guarantees to clinch Lebanon deal: What we know
As cease-fire talks advance with Lebanon, Israel might agree to a letter from the US that would guarantee its ability to retaliate to violations by Hezbollah to 1701 framework.
Israel is demanding that a cease-fire deal to end the conflict in southern Lebanon must also include a guarantee that if the international enforcement mechanism tasked with implementing a potential agreement fails to prevent Hezbollah from setting up new military positions south of the Litani River, then the Israeli military has operational freedom to operate in the area.
The Israeli demand for guarantees is reportedly one of two main obstacles to a deal. The second disagreement is the composition of the international enforcement mechanism. US envoy Amos Hochstein is expected in Israel on Wednesday after a two-day visit to Beirut to iron out the final details of the draft agreement.
The draft under discussion aims to implement United Nations Security Resolution 1701 in which Hezbollah militants retreat to the northern bank of the Litani River, which runs 4 to 30 kilometers (2 to 18 miles) from the border with Israel. The resolution also sees the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon except the Lebanese army, and for Israel to respect Lebanese territorial integrity.
The agreement will feature agreed-upon parameters for the implementation of Resolution 1701, but it is expected to be accompanied by a letter from the United States to Israel on security guarantees that go beyond the UN resolution.
