U.S. Issues Ultimatum to Lebanon: Negotiate with Israel or Face Military Risks

The United States has issued a deadline for Lebanon to establish civilian committees for negotiations with Israel, warning of potential military consequences if the proposal is rejected. The negotiations are to address key issues such as prisoner release and border disputes, amidst significant internal opposition to normalization with Israel. Debate persists within Lebanon regarding the potential for peace, influenced by the ongoing Iranian and Hezbollah dynamics.

Recent reports from Lebanon indicate that the United States has issued an ultimatum for the establishment of civilian committees to negotiate with Israel by the end of this month. Deputy U.S. envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, reportedly communicated this message directly to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The proposal suggests that failure to comply could result in Washington withdrawing its support and granting Israel greater military autonomy.

The ultimatum specifies non-negotiable terms, with the U.S. advocating for immediate discussions under the current negotiation framework. The desired focus includes establishing diplomatic working groups tackling three crucial issues: the release of Lebanese prisoners, Israel’s withdrawal from five territorial points, and resolving border disputes.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji has emphasized Lebanon’s firm stance against normalization with Israel, asserting that the nation will not engage in direct political negotiations. As the Lebanese government grapples with this dilemma, it must weigh the threat of military escalation from Israel against strong domestic opposition to any perceived normalization initiatives.

The sentiment on Lebanese social media reflects a significant resistance to normalization, especially among Hezbollah supporters, who vehemently oppose the notion, invoking slogans like “Lebanon against normalization.” Conversely, more moderate groups, including Christians, Sunnis, and Druze, are growing weary of ongoing conflicts and are advocating for steps toward stability, recognizing the potential for peace.

Skepticism pervades discussions, particularly among those not aligned with Hezbollah, who express doubt about the feasibility of normalization while Iranian influence persists through the militia. In light of these complexities, Lebanese diplomatic circles speculate that President Aoun may suggest integrating civilian experts into the existing military oversight committee to navigate the U.S. proposal cautiously, balancing acceptance and rejection.

In summary, Lebanon faces significant pressure from the United States to negotiate with Israel while grappling with internal opposition to normalization. The proposed diplomatic efforts center on critical issues, including prisoner release and border disputes. Amidst a divided public sentiment, the Lebanese government must carefully consider its diplomatic strategies while avoiding escalation of military tensions with Israel. The chosen path will ultimately define Lebanon’s future interactions with Israel and its regional dynamics.

Original Source: vinnews.com