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🇰🇷 South Korea /Conflict & Security

Israel May Ceasefire in Lebanon Under US Pressure

From Hankyoreh · (5h ago) Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Israel is reportedly considering a full ceasefire in Lebanon within days, influenced by US pressure to stabilize the front ahead of Iran negotiations.
  • This potential shift comes after Israel continued attacks on Hezbollah following a US-Iran ceasefire, despite Iran and Pakistan insisting Lebanon be included.
  • The timing of Israel's potential ceasefire may follow its capture of Hezbollah's stronghold in Bint Jbeil, while Hezbollah remains wary of potential Israeli violations.

The Hankyoreh reports on a significant development in the Middle East conflict, indicating that Israel may be on the verge of a full ceasefire in Lebanon. This potential de-escalation appears to be largely driven by pressure from the United States, which seeks to stabilize the region's fronts as it engages in negotiations with Iran. For weeks, Israel had maintained its offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, even after a US-Iran ceasefire took effect, arguing that Lebanon was not part of the agreement.

In a few days, there will be no other option but to have a full ceasefire in Lebanon.

— Senior Israeli political sourceA high-ranking Israeli official indicated the inevitability of a ceasefire in Lebanon in the near future.

This stance was met with strong objections from Iran and mediator Pakistan, who insisted that the ceasefire must encompass the Lebanese front. During recent talks in Pakistan, Iran explicitly demanded a halt to attacks in Lebanon. The article suggests that Israel's potential shift towards a ceasefire might occur after its forces secure control of Bint Jbeil, a key stronghold for Hezbollah, which the group refers to as the 'capital of resistance.' This strategic objective appears to be a prerequisite for Israel agreeing to a broader cessation of hostilities.

The US wants to stabilize the front to focus on negotiations with Iran. They do not want the tension on the Lebanese front to affect the negotiations.

— Israeli security sourceAn Israeli security source explained the US's motivation for pushing for a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Hezbollah has agreed to a ceasefire but remains deeply skeptical, recalling past instances where Israel allegedly violated truce agreements. The Israeli military's approval of new combat plans targeting Lebanon and Iran serves as a stark reminder of their readiness to resume hostilities. The article also highlights the high human cost of the ongoing conflict, with UNIFIL reporting thousands of casualties since the previous ceasefire. For Israel, Hezbollah remains the primary threat among Iran's 'axis of resistance,' while Iran views its support for Hezbollah as essential to countering Israel's influence.

We will not allow a situation where only one side keeps its promises and Israel evades its obligations, as happened in the 2024 agreement.

— Mahmoud al-QumatiA Hezbollah official expressed distrust towards Israel, referencing past violations of ceasefire agreements.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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