Israeli Knesset member Yuli Edelstein stated on Wednesday that the Israeli government aims to use diplomatic channels to pressure for the removal of Hezbollah fighters from the borders to avoid the outbreak of war there. However, a Hezbollah-affiliated official claimed that these ideas are "unrealistic." This marks the worst violence on the border since the Israel-Hezbollah war that lasted a month in 2006. Israel has stated that Beirut will become "the next Gaza" if Hezbollah launches another full-scale war.
Edelstein mentioned Israel's intent to end Hezbollah's presence on the border with Israel. He told Reuters, "This is a goal, I believe, that we are trying to achieve at this stage through diplomatic channels," noting that the alternative could be another war. A high-ranking Lebanese official informed Reuters that U.S. and French officials visited Beirut to discuss ideas for providing security reassurances to Israel based on curbing Hezbollah's role on the border. The timing of the visits was not disclosed.
The Hezbollah-affiliated official described the ideas as "unrealistic," speaking on condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the discussions. In a clear reference to Israel’s demands regarding the border, Hezbollah member Hassan Fadlallah said on Wednesday, "This enemy that kills civilians in Gaza is struggling in front of the resistance's valor, so it is not in a position to determine the future for others." He added in general comments, "These proposals are not on the agenda of the resistance, nor on the agenda of the country, and no one has spoken to us about them, and we are not prepared to even listen to them or to allocate time to engage with them," without detailing the proposals.
Residents on both sides of the border have been fleeing their homes since the violence erupted. In Israel, residents fear that Hezbollah might launch a raid similar to Hamas's unexpected incursion across the border on October 7, which led to the Gaza war.
Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General Naeem Qassem stated on Tuesday, "The front in Lebanon will remain open as long as the aggression on Gaza continues." Edelstein noted that Israel does not want to open a new front in the north, adding, "We will do so if necessary, if they attack us, or Hezbollah forces attack us; we will have no choice."
The Israeli Defense Minister referred to UN Resolution 1701 from the end of the 2006 war, which stipulates that no armed groups should exist between the Litani River and the border in Lebanon, with the Litani River located several kilometers from the border. French officials indicated that Paris wants to listen to both sides and push for full implementation of the resolution.
When asked by Edelstein about the distance from the border that Hezbollah should stay away from, he replied, "I will not go into tactical details, but we are definitely talking about miles." He also expressed that it is unlikely Israeli forces would seek to occupy southern Lebanon again as they did for 18 years before withdrawing in 2000. He expressed belief that there might be some kind of agreement, adding that the alternative would be turning Lebanon into "ruins." He stated that Hezbollah "will have to think twice before violating these agreements and before challenging us on that."
