Biden Advisers Head to Israel Tomorrow to Broker End to Lebanon War

Senior U.S. advisers Amos Hochstein and Brett McGurk are set to arrive in Israel on Thursday to work toward a ceasefire deal that could end the conflict in Lebanon and facilitate the return of displaced civilians on both sides of the border, according to sources familiar with the matter, as reported by Axios.

Both U.S. and Israeli officials suggest that recent setbacks for Hezbollah, including the loss of its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, may have prompted the group to consider distancing itself from Hamas in Gaza. Officials believe that a truce between Israel and Hezbollah may be within reach in the coming weeks.

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with ministers and military leaders to discuss the possible agreement. Hochstein’s decision to visit Israel appears to indicate Netanyahu’s interest in pursuing the proposed deal.

Hezbollah recently appointed Sheikh Naim Qassem as Nasrallah’s successor, with Al-Arabiya reporting that his appointment aims to expedite a ceasefire. Hochstein, after visiting Beirut last week, received favorable feedback from Lebanese officials regarding a potential ceasefire, irrespective of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

On the Israeli side, there are signals of openness to ending the conflict, with the military nearing the completion of operations in southern Lebanese villages close to Israel’s border. Israeli defense leaders have recommended to Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant that they seek a diplomatic end to avoid a prolonged conflict in Lebanon.

The proposed deal involves reviving U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which helped conclude the 2006 Lebanon War. Under this plan, there would be a ceasefire declaration, followed by a 60-day transition period. During this time, Hezbollah would relocate its heavy weaponry north of the Litani River, while around 8,000 Lebanese troops, alongside UNIFIL peacekeepers, would be stationed near the Israeli border, with Israeli forces gradually withdrawing to their side.

Israel recently shared its terms for a ceasefire with the U.S., one of which includes “active enforcement” to prevent Hezbollah from rearming near the border. While not part of the formal agreement, Israel seeks written assurances from the Biden administration that the U.S. will support this enforcement measure.

Hochstein and McGurk are expected to meet with Netanyahu, Gallant, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, where Hochstein will present a formal proposal based on discussions with both sides.