By outdoor-nature-child.com On October 20, Israel continued its military strikes against Hezbollah, conducting air raids near its border with Lebanon. Two U.S. officials and two Israeli officials confirmed that Israel submitted a document to the United States last week, outlining conditions to end the conflict in Lebanon and allowing civilians on both sides of the border to return home. The key points include granting the Israeli Defense Forces the authority for “active enforcement” in Lebanon and permitting free movement within Lebanese airspace. U.S. Special Envoy Amos Hochstein is expected to arrive in Beirut on October 20 to discuss these Israeli conditions.
According to Axios, knowledgeable officials shared that Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close associate of Prime Minister Netanyahu, delivered the document to Hochstein on October 17.
Israeli officials indicated that the document stems from discussions between Dermer, the Israeli Defense Ministry, and the IDF, requesting the capability for “active enforcement” to ensure Hezbollah does not rearm and reconstruct its military infrastructure close to the southern border.
Additionally, they emphasized Israel’s request for freedom of movement in Lebanese airspace.
However, these demands contradict United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) implement the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
A U.S. official remarked that it is extremely unlikely that Lebanon or the international community would accept these conditions, as they would significantly undermine Lebanese sovereignty. The White House and the Israeli Embassy in the U.S. declined to comment.
Meanwhile, Hochstein’s visit is anticipated to include meetings with Lebanese Acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker Nabih Berri, and other officials to discuss Israel’s requests.
Berri stated on October 20 to Al-Arabiya that Hochstein’s visit represents “the last opportunity to reach a solution before the U.S. elections.” He emphasized the consensus among Lebanese factions on the importance of UN Resolution 1701, firmly rejecting any modifications to it.