US Rejects Ceasefire Proposal in Lebanon, Encourages Israel to Weaken Hezbollah
US Stance on the Lebanon Conflict
The US State Department declared on Tuesday that it does not support a ceasefire in Lebanon, instead encouraging Israel's heavy bombardment of the country to weaken Hezbollah. State Department spokesman Matt Miller addressed the comments made by Hezbollah Deputy Sheikh Naim Qassem, who voiced the group's support for Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri's ceasefire efforts, without mentioning the need for a ceasefire in Gaza. Miller told reporters, "Now that Hezbollah is on the back foot and is getting battered, suddenly, they’ve changed their tune and want a ceasefire."
US Support for Israel's Military Operations
Miller asserted that while the US ultimately seeks a diplomatic solution, it firmly backs Israeli military operations. These operations have resulted in over 1,250 casualties, including more than 100 children. "We support Israel’s efforts to degrade Hezbollah’s capability," he stated.
Call for New Presidential Elections in Lebanon
Amid the Israeli bombardment, the US is also urging Lebanon to conduct new presidential elections. Since 2022, Lebanon has been without a president due to the inability of the various parliamentary factions to agree on a candidate. Currently, Hezbollah's political wing holds 15 seats in the country's 128-seat parliament. Miller expressed the US's hope for Lebanon to break free from Hezbollah's control.
Characterization of the Israeli Assault
Despite the extensive bombings in Beirut and throughout the country, the US continues to describe the Israeli assault on Lebanon as a "limited incursion." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated on Tuesday that further escalations are imminent. He issued a warning to the Lebanese people, urging them to liberate their country from Hezbollah or face "destruction and suffering like we see in Gaza."
US's Previous Call for a Temporary Ceasefire
Prior to Israel's strike that resulted in the death of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, the US had proposed a temporary 21-day ceasefire. However, the US did not exert significant pressure on Israel to accept the truce, instead providing a substantial new military aid package as Netanyahu dismissed the idea of a ceasefire.
Hezbollah's Agreement to a Ceasefire
Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib stated that Nasrallah had agreed to a 21-day ceasefire with Israel just days before his death, and that the US had been notified of his decision. The State Department denied being informed of Nasrallah's acceptance of the truce, but a Western source familiar with the negotiations later reported to CNN that Hezbollah had indeed agreed to the ceasefire.
Bottom Line
The US's decision to reject a ceasefire in Lebanon and support Israel's military operations raises significant questions about its role and responsibilities in international conflicts. It also underscores the complexities and challenges of achieving peace in regions marked by long-standing political and religious divides. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you believe the US's stance will help or hinder the resolution of the conflict in Lebanon? Share your views and discuss this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, available every day at 6pm.
