Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter has outlined Israel's vision for a negotiated resolution with Lebanon, in an interview with This is Beirut.
Yechiel Leiter © Mena Today
Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter has outlined Israel's vision for a negotiated resolution with Lebanon, in an interview with This is Beirut.
The diplomat described a two-track approach: the first focused on security cooperation aimed at strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) against Hezbollah, the second centered on a parallel civilian track working toward a future peace agreement between the two countries.
Ambassador Leiter was unequivocal on Israel's intentions regarding its presence in Lebanon. Israel has no interest in remaining on Lebanese soil, he stressed, and would withdraw once Hezbollah is dismantled. He emphasized that Israel's military presence is driven solely by the need to protect its civilians from attacks launched by the group.
The statement signals that Israel views the LAF as a credible partner in curbing Hezbollah's influence, a significant diplomatic signal at a time when Lebanon is navigating a delicate political transition and international pressure mounts for a lasting ceasefire framework.
Israel's former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, who lost a son in Gaza and boasts of his "Dahiyeh doctrine" of smashing foes with disproportionate force, is surging in polls and could oust Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister in a coming election.
The United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) delivered a unified and unambiguous message Thursday in Manama: Lebanon's sovereignty must be restored, armed groups outside state authority must be disarmed, and the Lebanese file must not be held hostage to Iran's regional agenda.
Lebanon's Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar ordered Thursday the removal of pro-Iran banners that had been displayed along the road leading to Beirut's international airport, the country's most visible gateway to the world.
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