Hezbollah, Amal Flexibly Engage with Hochstein

Hezbollah and the Amal Movement are showing a cooperative and flexible attitude towards the efforts of U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein, who is working to foster a political climate conducive to the enactment of Resolution 1701, according to a source familiar with both groups.

The source, speaking to the Asharq al-Awsat newspaper, revealed that negotiations are being led by Speaker Nabih Berri, with Hochstein having taken into account several concerns Berri had with a recent proposal related to delineating the land boundary between Lebanon and Israel.

Berri, supported unequivocally by Hezbollah in these discussions, is also receiving backing from caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, the source detailed.

According to the source, Hochstein advocates for a step-by-step approach to implementing Resolution 1701. However, his continued involvement hinges on Israel’s agreement to the suggested plan, a development yet to occur.

Hezbollah does not anticipate an escalation of conflict in the south by Israel in the near term, the source mentioned, attributing this stance to the ongoing targeted destruction in border towns and villages.