US President Joe Biden’s administration played a key role in reaching an agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. Experts note that the American side acted as the main mediator, actively facilitating the establishment of agreements, despite the difficulties of the negotiation process. According to analyst Ilya Aizenstat, the United States has made more efforts than Israel to promote this agreement. He believes the Biden administration, often criticized for its soft policies, seeks to end its term on a positive note, demonstrating success in international diplomacy.
What does the agreement include?
The agreements reached mean the cessation of attacks by Hezbollah and other terrorist groups in Lebanon. In exchange, Israel agrees to refrain from military actions, including land, air and sea operations. The parties also agreed to comply with the provisions of UN Resolution No. 1701, adopted after the Second Lebanon War. This document establishes the right to self-defense in accordance with international law.
Special attention is paid to the elimination of military infrastructure that violates the terms of the agreement. All illegal weapons must be confiscated and only the country’s official armed forces are allowed to be stationed in southern Lebanon. A joint committee will be created to monitor the implementation of the agreement, which will also interact with UNIFIL peacekeepers.
Israel, in turn, will gradually withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon beyond the Blue Line demarcation, which should be completed within 60 days.
Difficulties of negotiations.
According to Aizenstat, the main difficulty was achieving mutual understanding between the parties, but the United States and France actively contributed to the negotiation process. The US side also intends to facilitate the establishment of official land borders between Israel and Lebanon.
Outlook for the region
The expert draws attention to the importance of the economic approach in resolving conflicts in the Middle East. In recent years, with the support of Donald Trump’s administration, Israel managed to conclude peace treaties with several Arab Gulf countries. Aizenstat is confident that economic cooperation can resolve many problems that previously divided the region.
Iran threats
Aizenstat also highlights Iran’s role as the main destabilizing force. He notes that Israel may not be able to confront the Iranian nuclear threat alone. In his opinion, the Trump administration, if it returns to power, may opt for a military solution to the problem. The expert recalls that Trump’s previous term was marked by harsh measures, including the liquidation of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.
Results
The agreement reached between Israel and Hezbollah opens new opportunities to stabilize the region. However, its implementation will require significant efforts from both parties and the international community. The United States’ role in this process underscores its desire to strengthen its position as a key mediator in the Middle East.
Previously, Kursor wrote that Biden responded to new rumors about arms sales to Israel.
Biden’s advisers have rejected claims that the JDAM transfer is related to Israel’s agreement on a ceasefire in Lebanon.
