Israel to Lebanon: a political solution within a week or a large-scale war

Israel carried out many air strikes on areas in southern Lebanon (Reuters)

A Lebanese newspaper close to Hezbollah said on Thursday that Israel has informed European countries that it has set a deadline of March 15 to reach a political settlement with Lebanon, otherwise it is prepared to escalate military operations into a full-scale war.

Citing unnamed Western diplomatic sources, the Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper added that Israel’s talk about the deadline has increased the concern of Western countries, which believe that every effort should be made to support the continuing efforts of the United States and France to implement Resolution 1701, and initiate a border settlement that provides security in the long term, and "Ensures the return of displaced persons on both sides of the border."

The sources continued that the political path is not sufficient to provide reassurance, despite the American side’s insistence on drafting the first letters of the agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv.

She added that the agreement revolves around consolidating the ceasefire, resolving the dispute over the disputed points, formulating a sustainable solution that prevents a major clash, and finding a formula for the Shebaa Farms and Kfar Shuba, two Lebanese regions that Israel has occupied for decades.

Centralization of the situation in Gaza

However, these sources warned that any discussion about political arrangements in Lebanon and a ceasefire will not be translatable as long as the shooting continues in the Gaza Strip.

Last Monday, US Presidential Envoy for Energy Affairs Amos Hockstein visited Beirut in an effort to reach a political solution between Lebanon and Israel.

In solidarity with the Gaza Strip, which has been subjected to a devastating Israeli war with American support since October 7, Hezbollah and Palestinian factions in Lebanon exchange daily bombardments with the Israeli army, resulting in deaths and injuries on both sides of the dividing Blue Line.

According to Hockstein, any truce agreed upon in Gaza does not have to automatically extend to Lebanon.

In light of reports that the negotiations had reached a dead end, Hamas announced on Thursday that its delegation would leave Cairo to consult with the movement’s leadership, but it confirmed the continuation of negotiations and efforts towards stopping the Israeli aggression on Gaza.

Source: Anadolu Agency