The United States has asked Qatar for help in mediating the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, according to the Washington Post citing sources. The report states that Qatar, which has mediated negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, received a request from the Biden administration to assist in easing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel at the Lebanese border.
The newspaper noted that should a temporary ceasefire occur in Gaza, Hezbollah is prepared to adhere to it as well, similar to what happened in November during a week-long ceasefire in Gaza. However, the publication emphasized that Hezbollah will not agree to a broader deal until the war in Gaza is completely resolved.
An official who attended a private meeting between Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and American officials stated that the Defense Minister confirmed the current threats to Israel from Iran and Hezbollah. The newspaper quoted the official as saying that Gallant asserted that Iran could suddenly launch a large-scale war to destroy Israel, calling this an exaggeration that does not align with U.S. intelligence assessments.
The source reported concerns in Washington that Israel might launch a ground attack on Lebanon in the coming weeks, noting that Israeli officials will not abandon plans to attack Lebanon despite U.S. pressure.
