The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth has revealed details of a draft agreement reportedly being shaped following U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein’s recent visit to Lebanon. According to the newspaper, the proposed draft includes the following points:
A 60-Day Trial Ceasefire: A temporary halt to hostilities to assess the feasibility of long-term peace.
Hezbollah Withdrawal: The withdrawal of Hezbollah forces to the Litani River, with the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL taking over security in South Lebanon.
Israeli Military Withdrawal: The Israeli army will withdraw from South Lebanon within 60 days.
Monitoring Committee Formation: A monitoring committee will be established, comprising representatives from several countries, including the UK, Germany, France, and others, to oversee the agreement’s implementation.
Israeli Freedom of Action: Israel will retain the right to respond militarily if Hezbollah breaches the agreement.
Advantages of the Agreement:
Reaching an agreement would separate the Gaza and Lebanon fronts, sending a clear message to Hamas: “You are on your own.” This could pressure Hamas into negotiating a prisoner exchange deal.
Problematic Clauses:
Freedom of Action: Lebanon strongly opposes the clause granting Israel the freedom to act militarily.
Monitoring Committee Membership: Lebanon rejects the participation of certain countries in the oversight committee.
Hochstein’s Proposal to Bridge the Gap:
The U.S. envoy proposed a compromise, suggesting that the agreement include the phrase: “Both parties have the right to self-defense if attacked, provided the United States guarantees that Israel will not initiate any offensive actions.”
Israeli Assessments:
Reports indicate that Iran has given the green light for the agreement, aiming to send a positive signal to the new U.S. administration.
According to an Israeli security source, there is cautious optimism about the agreement’s prospects.
