Netanyahu's anger at France puts Lebanon peace deal at risk
Peace talks between Israel and Lebanon face new obstacles due to disagreements over French involvement. The year-long border conflict might end soon‚ but key implementation issues remain unresolved
The long-awaited peace deal between Israel and Lebanon hits another snag as Tel-Aviv objects to Frances role in implementing the cease-fire agreement. The fourteen-month-old conflict which started in fall 2023 needs final touches to end the cross-border violence
The main hold-up comes from Benjamin Netanyahuʼs strong reaction to Parisʼs stance on international court orders. “A cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah will happen soon“ an unnamed top-level Israeli source tells; however several road-blocks remain unsolved
It would be impossible to be part of a mediation while also promising to arrest him if he set foot on French soil
The US-backed proposal includes multi-step implementation: Israeli troops must pull-back as Hezbollah moves away from southern Lebanon (where Lebanese army would take control)‚ The plan gives Tel-Aviv rights to counter-strike if agreements broken - something Lebanon dont accept
- Israeli forces must leave Lebanese territory
- Hezbollah needs to move away from border areas
- Lebanese army takes control of southern region
- US-led committee monitors the situation
Itamar Ben-Gvir the national security minister pushes against any deal: “its a historic missed chance to destroy Hezbollah and a grave mistake“ he states. The conflict saw over 13000 attacks from Hezbollah killing 75 Israelis while Israeli counter-strikes resulted in about 3500 casualties mostly Hezbollah members
