Mediators Push for Hezbollah Ceasefire as Gaza Conflict Enters 3rd Phase

Lebanese authorities and political figures are keenly observing the outcomes of French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s recent trip to Tel Aviv, particularly as the U.S. communicates with Lebanon through an Arab intermediary, as reported by media sources.

The newspaper al-Akhbar detailed that U.S., French, and Arab mediators are concentrating on a critical aspect: the initiation of the third phase of the Gaza conflict will significantly alter the frequency of military actions, leading to an almost total ceasefire. This development is expected to persuade Hezbollah to cease its activities along the border with Israel.

According to the mediators’ estimates, this third phase is slated to commence in early February. It will involve the Israeli military withdrawing from most parts of the Gaza Strip and repositioning along the border in a more condensed formation, with continued presence in central areas, particularly in the Gaza Valley.

The mediators explained that extensive military activities, including invasions and significant airstrikes, would cease. Israel would then declare its continued commitment to dismantling Hamas and recovering its captives, as per al-Akhbar’s report.

The mediators noted that with the cessation of major military operations in Gaza, the rationale for maintaining support fronts in Lebanon and other areas would no longer be valid.

Al-Akhbar also reported that Israel is highly reliant on this mediation to achieve multiple goals. Israel perceives Hezbollah as playing a pivotal role not only in Lebanon but also in regional dynamics in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.

Israel’s strategy includes enhancing the presence of U.N. forces and the Lebanese Army in a way that would prevent Hezbollah members from returning to the border fence.

The mediators believe that these arrangements will enable the Israeli government to encourage settlers to return to their settlements near the Lebanese border and gradually resume normal life in the area. This comes amid a significant crisis caused by the displacement of over 125,000 settlers to central and southern Israel, as highlighted in the al-Akhbar report.