Nicolai Haugsted
US proposes new plan to downscale issue Israel is dealing with.
Diplomatic efforts to calm tensions between Israel and Hezbollah are gaining momentum, even as fighting on the ground continues to threaten an already fragile ceasefire.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held talks with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun as Washington attempts to broker a phased reduction in hostilities between the two sides.
According to a US official, American negotiators have put forward a proposal designed to create breathing room for broader peace talks.
First Step: Silence the Guns
Plan reportedly calls for Hezbollah to halt all attacks against Israel.
In return, Israel would refrain from expanding military operations in Beirut.
US officials believe such a move could prevent further escalation and create conditions for more substantial negotiations.
“This would create space for gradual de-escalation and an effective cessation of hostilities,” a US official said according to Reuters.
Efforts to secure support for the proposal have involved direct engagement with Lebanese leaders.
Lebanon Seeks Agreement
President Joseph Aoun is said to have worked to advance the American initiative and obtain commitments from all sides.
Complications remain, however.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri reportedly argued that responsibility for reducing tensions rests with Israel.
Berri, who claimed he could “guarantee” Hezbollah’s adherence to a ceasefire arrangement, insisted Israel must stop “shooting first.”
Differences over who should make the first move continue to complicate negotiations.
Israeli Operations Expand
Diplomatic discussions unfolded as Israeli forces deepened operations inside southern Lebanon.
Netanyahu confirmed on Sunday that he had ordered troops to move further into Lebanese territory despite a ceasefire that has officially been in place for more than six weeks.
Israeli military officials announced that forces had captured the historic Beaufort Castle along with a strategically important ridge overlooking parts of southern Lebanon.
Advance followed one of the heaviest days of Hezbollah rocket and missile attacks since the April truce took effect.
Security concerns prompted school closures and additional restrictions in northern Israel.
Washington Signals Support for Israel
American officials indicated that patience in Washington is wearing thin regarding continued attacks from Hezbollah.
US representative involved in the negotiations said American policymakers do not expect Israel to tolerate ongoing attacks against civilian communities indefinitely.
Balancing diplomatic efforts with military realities remains the central challenge facing negotiators.
While Washington is attempting to establish a framework for de-escalation, developments on the battlefield continue to test whether a lasting ceasefire can survive long enough for broader negotiations to take hold.
