Israel is lobbying the Trump administration to delay its withdrawal from Lebanon as tensions with Hezbollah rise. Trump appears unwilling to extend Israel’s military presence beyond the ceasefire agreement’s deadline. Hezbollah’s leadership is becoming increasingly frustrated with Israeli attacks, suggesting potential consequences if compliance is not achieved. The evolving U.S. position may influence future diplomatic engagement in the region.
Israel is seeking to postpone its troop withdrawal from Lebanon, contrary to a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah which mandates full withdrawal by Sunday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly appealed to the Trump administration to allow Israel to maintain five military outposts in Lebanon, but President Trump is resistant and insists Israel adhere to the ceasefire terms. Israel’s non-compliance since the ceasefire took effect last November includes multiple attacks on Lebanese territory, prompting accusations from both parties of violations.
Hezbollah has so far refrained from significant retaliation, limiting its actions to a single warning strike on an Israeli base. However, rising frustrations among Hezbollah leaders are evident, with Ghaleb Abu Zeinab indicating a possibly tougher stance if Israeli forces do not withdraw by the agreed date. Trump’s administration appears to be shifting toward a new Middle East foreign policy that encourages reduced military engagements and a focus on diplomatic solutions.
Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff aims to further the ceasefire agreement, highlighting a potential transition from past hawkish policies towards a more diplomatic engagement with Iran and less military involvement in the region. This change could ultimately affect U.S. roles and strategies in Middle Eastern conflicts, especially regarding Israel and Lebanon.
The context of this article involves the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which necessitates Israel’s complete withdrawal from Lebanon. The Syrian civil war and persistent tensions with Hezbollah have complicated Israeli-Lebanese relations. Following the ceasefire initiated last November, both sides have accused one another of violations, contributing to an atmosphere of increasing tension and uncertainty regarding future military engagements. Trump’s administration is also perceived to be altering the U.S. stance in the region as it seeks diplomatic approaches over military ones.
In conclusion, the situation surrounding Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon is fraught with tension, as both Israel and Hezbollah accuse each other of violating ceasefire terms. U.S. President Trump’s aversion to delays marks a pivotal point in the negotiation process, reflecting a broader shift towards diplomatic solutions in Middle Eastern foreign policy. Hezbollah’s growing impatience could lead to escalated actions if the deadline is disregarded.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net