Hezbollah ceasefire deal: What Israel is telling the US
Last Updated on November 2, 2024 5:47 am
Top Israeli officials and Biden administration officials are meeting behind closed doors to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon. Israel wants a US commitment to take any action if Hezbollah violates the ceasefire agreement.
The Times of Israel reported this in a report on Friday (November 1).
A Channel 12 report on Thursday said that Israel wants a letter from the US. Washington will commit to giving Israel any kind of response if Hezbollah violates the ceasefire agreement.
A US official told the Times of Israel that US special envoy Amos Hochstein and White House Middle East czar Brett McGurk met with top Israeli officials in Jerusalem on Thursday. The meeting discussed Iran, Lebanon and the Middle East situation, among others, behind closed doors. In addition, the ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages were discussed.
Hochstein and McGurk met with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Shin Bet Director Ronan Bar, Mossad Director David Barnia and other senior Israeli officials. In these meetings, they presented their demands to the US ambassador.
The United States wants to ensure a rapid ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and Gaza. That would allow people on both sides of the Blue Line to return to their homes safely. As well as the release of hostages, Hamas must agree to the ceasefire without delay.
The US official said that Washington would not discuss either issue publicly.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Netanyahu’s office said that the Prime Minister had discussions with Hochstein and McGurk. Where the discussion focused on ensuring Israel’s ability and independence to implement the agreement and thwart any threats to its security.