Morgan Ortagus indicates a U.S. push for peace negotiations between Lebanon and Israel through three working groups focusing on key issues. There are concerns raised about legal barriers to normalization and comparisons to the effects seen in other nations, urging Lebanese leaders to heed past lessons.
In recent developments, Morgan Ortagus, the deputy presidential special envoy to the Middle East, reiterated that the ultimate objective is a peace agreement between Lebanon and Israel. In an exclusive interview, she stated that the current focus is on initiating diplomatic negotiations through three working groups. These negotiations will address critical issues including the fate of occupied sites, the demarcation of land borders, and the release of Lebanese prisoners, managed by the Supervisory Committee for Resolution 1701.
Ortagus emphasized that negotiations concerning Lebanese prisoners taken by Israel are futile since there are no Israeli prisoners in Lebanon to leverage. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, has urged swift initiation of peace dialogues with Lebanon and Syria, suggesting potential involvement for Riyadh in the Abraham Accords. He believes that current regional political shifts could pave the way for Lebanon’s participation.
Prior to the election of Lebanon’s president, the US embassy reportedly interrogated candidates about their views on normalizing relations with Israel and Hezbollah’s armament. U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson delivered messages to key Lebanese leaders urging them to be ready for a comprehensive deal with Tel Aviv. Despite claims that Hezbollah is weakened, Washington appears determined to pursue a normalization agenda.
The United States has also restricted the UN committee overseeing Israeli violations, framing Israel’s actions as responses to Hezbollah’s alleged infractions. This has facilitated the formation of diplomatic groups aiming to engage Lebanon, despite constitutional prohibitions against direct meetings with Israeli officials. Lebanese leaders must reflect on the negative implications normalization has had for countries like Egypt and Jordan, along with the situation in Syria, as a cautionary tale.
The article outlines the U.S. strategy urging Lebanon toward normalization with Israel, directing diplomatic efforts toward pressing concerns. Key figures express the urgency of peace negotiations even amidst internal political shifts in Lebanon. However, constitutional barriers and historical consequences of similar actions necessitate careful consideration from Lebanese leadership to avoid repeating past mistakes with Israel.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
