Israeli Leaders Assure UNIFIL Chief: No Plans for War on Lebanon

UNIFIL Force Commander and Head of Mission Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro visited Israel ten days ago for meetings with Israeli generals and several foreign ambassadors on an “exploratory visit,” according to a media report published Wednesday. This visit follows a similar one at the end of last winter.

Al-Akhbar newspaper quoted sources familiar with the visit, stating that the Spanish commander’s initial impressions were more positive compared to his previous visit. This improvement was attributed to a reduction in threats and intimidation from Israeli leaders against Lebanon.

The Israeli leaders emphasized their desire for a diplomatic resolution with Lebanon to facilitate the return of settlers displaced from northern settlements due to resistance strikes. However, they also warned that Israel would be prepared to wage war on Lebanon to push Hezbollah away from the southern Litani region if diplomatic efforts fail.

Despite these traditional stances, the Israeli leaders’ rhetoric appeared more rational, with no decision to initiate a war on Lebanon. This relative calm is reportedly due to the fatigue experienced by the Israeli army after months of conflict on the Gaza and Lebanon fronts, coupled with pressure from the United States.