New U.S. Plan to Contain Escalation Between Israel and Lebanon
The U.S. Secretary of State proposed, as an initial step, that Hezbollah halt all attacks against Israel, while the Israeli military would refrain from escalating operations in Beirut.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding diplomatic negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. According to a U.S. official, he proposed a plan that would allow for a “gradual de-escalation” amid the current tensions.
The official explained that the United States had proposed, as a first step, that the Iran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah cease all attacks against Israel. In return, the Israeli state would refrain from further escalation in Beirut. He stated, “This would create the conditions for a gradual de-escalation and an effective cessation of hostilities.”
He added that Joseph Aoun had sought to advance the proposal. However, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stated that he could “guarantee” Hezbollah’s commitment to the ceasefire, while placing responsibility on Israel to refrain from “firing first.”
Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that he had instructed Israeli forces to deepen their operations inside Lebanon as part of the campaign against Hezbollah, despite the ceasefire that was announced more than six weeks ago.
In the latest development, the Israeli military announced that its forces had taken control of the 900-year-old Chqif Castle and the surrounding strategic hill region in southern Lebanon. The operation followed the most intense Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel since the April ceasefire, prompting school closures and the implementation of security restrictions.
The U.S. official stated that Washington does not expect Israel to continue enduring ongoing Hezbollah attacks targeting civilians.
Four people were injured after an explosive-laden drone launched from Lebanon crashed in the settlement of Beit Hillel, located in the Galilee Panhandle region in northern Israel, according to Israeli media reports.
Israeli Channel 12 reported on Sunday that four individuals were wounded following the drone strike in Beit Hillel. All four were transported to hospital for medical treatment.
Since early Sunday morning, Hezbollah has launched more than twenty rockets and dozens of drones toward various areas of northern Israel. Air-raid sirens sounded at least twelve times across towns and communities in Upper Galilee, the Galilee Panhandle, and Lower Galilee.
Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated on Sunday that the escalation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon had resulted in civilian deaths and displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and a reduced opportunity for diplomatic dialogue. She therefore called for an end to the escalation.
In a post on X, she added: “All parties must respect the ceasefire and engage in negotiations in good faith,” while emphasizing the need for Hezbollah to cease its attacks against Israel.
