U.S. Calls for Normalization Between Lebanon and Israel: A Pathway to Peace
The U.S. is calling for Lebanon to normalize relations with Israel, targeting peace negotiations on prisoner release and border demarcation issues. Morgan Ortagus emphasized diplomatic discussions, while U.S. officials express optimism about regional cooperation. However, constitutional and historical challenges persist, necessitating careful leadership from Lebanese officials.
The United States is urging Lebanon to normalize relations with Israel, as stated by Morgan Ortagus, the deputy presidential special envoy to the Middle East. In a recent interview, she articulated that the objective is to achieve a peace agreement through diplomatic negotiations involving multiple working groups to address critical issues such as the release of Lebanese prisoners and the demarcation of borders, emphasizing that negotiations do not require formal diplomatic entities.
Ortagus pointed out that negotiations over Lebanese prisoners kidnapped by Israel are futile since there are no Israeli captives to discuss. Steve Witkoff, a previous envoy for former President Donald Trump, reiterated Washington’s determination to initiate peace talks with Lebanon and Syria, hinting at the potential for Saudi Arabia to partake in the Abraham Accords.
Before Lebanon’s presidential elections and amidst heightened tensions due to U.S.-backed Israeli actions, U.S. authorities engaged with candidates regarding their stances on normalization with Israel and the presence of Hezbollah’s weapons. U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, urged key Lebanese individuals to prepare for a lasting agreement with Israel.
Despite media assertions claiming Hezbollah’s decline, the U.S. appears confident that few Lebanese officials will oppose its directives. This has resulted in a proactive push from Washington towards establishing diplomatic working groups, even amid limitations imposed on the oversight of Israeli actions by the UN committee.
The Lebanese government’s silence has facilitated U.S. moves to advance discussions that contravene the Lebanese constitution, which prohibits direct diplomatic exchanges with Israel. As a result, Lebanese leaders must heed the lessons from normalization experiences in Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority, as well as those from Syria, to avoid the pitfalls of such agreements.
In conclusion, the U.S. strongly advocates for Lebanon’s normalization with Israel through diplomatic negotiations focused on pressing issues. The current environment encourages U.S. intervention and dialogue, despite the constitutional barriers and historical precedents of similar agreements. Lebanese leaders face significant pressure to navigate these negotiations wisely, given the potentially detrimental outcomes witnessed in the region’s history.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
