Hezbollah’s attempts to wreck Beirut-Jerusalem talks failing, experts tell ‘Post’
Beirut and Jerusalem held talks in Rome last week, with some sessions ending early in response to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon.
Two experts speaking to The Jerusalem Post have stated that Hezbollah's ongoing attacks on Israel and Lebanese forces have not prevented the ongoing peace talks between Beirut and Jerusalem. The talks, held in Rome last week, were marked by early cancellations in response to Israeli strikes against Hezbollah's infrastructure in Lebanon. These talks followed a June US-brokered agreement in which Hezbollah agreed to stop posing a threat to Israel from southern Lebanon, and Israeli forces withdrew from the area.
However, Hezbollah has repeatedly criticized the talks, threatening civil war and urging Lebanese officials to allow Iran and its allies to pressure the United States to force Israel to end the conflict, which began after Hezbollah targeted Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The situation has made the talks challenging for Lebanon, as the country faces a paradox: it is difficult to negotiate effectively while under constant Israeli strikes, yet it is also unable to make any significant progress without demonstrating its ability to reduce Hezbollah's power.
Experts suggest that the delicate balance between diplomacy and military strength is a crucial factor in determining whether a peace treaty can be reached. They also highlight the internal Lebanese rifts and the challenges of managing those in Israel who view the situation solely through a military lens. Despite these difficulties, Lebanon remains committed to moving forward, though this commitment is being scrutinized by its opponents.
Two experts also note that while Hezbollah's actions are seen as background noise, they are complicating the peace process. Beirut is under pressure to show quick results, and domestic challenges, such as dealing with private property issues, could hinder the pilot zones' effectiveness in containing Hezbollah. If these challenges are not resolved, Beirut may fail to demonstrate its capabilities, which would not only impact Lebanon but also have negative consequences for Jerusalem.
Achieving a lasting peace with Israel could change the trajectory of Iran's gains in the region, weakening Tehran's influence and strengthening the prospects for a peaceful resolution.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
