Hochstein Hints at Possible Lebanon Ceasefire Soon

U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon soon, stating to Axios that he feels “hopeful” about the chances for success.

According to U.S. officials, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has communicated to the Biden administration his intention to conclude the conflict in Lebanon within weeks. On Monday evening, Israel’s minister for strategic affairs, Ron Dermer, met with Hochstein and Biden’s senior adviser Brett McGurk to discuss Israel’s stance on the potential ceasefire. The discussions continued on Tuesday morning with Dermer’s meeting with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

A U.S. official described the meetings as productive, noting that they helped bridge remaining differences between the U.S. and Israel regarding the terms of the ceasefire agreement and a side letter requested by Israel. The side letter would entail a U.S. pledge to permit Israeli military action in Lebanon if the Lebanese Army and U.N. peacekeepers fail to prevent Hezbollah from resuming military activities along the border or from smuggling heavy weapons into Lebanon.

While a final agreement is close, it is not yet finalized, said a U.S. official. Following these discussions, the U.S. now awaits responses from the Lebanese government and from Nabih Berri, the Speaker of Parliament who represents Hezbollah in negotiations, Hochstein noted.

Hochstein also clarified that Russia will not play any role in the ceasefire agreement or its enforcement.