Despite Optimism Around Chances for Lebanon Deal, Immense Obstacles Remain

U.S. and Israeli Officials Laud Progress Toward Ending Fighting Between Hezbollah and IDF, but the Iran-Backed Group Is Unlikely to Accept Netanyahu’s Core Demands

Smoke rises from the southern Beirut suburbs following an October 2024 Israeli airstrike on a Hezbollah target.

Smoke rises from the southern Beirut suburbs following an October 2024 Israeli airstrike on a Hezbollah target.

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An air of optimism has emerged around the chances for a negotiated end to the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon in the coming weeks.

On Tuesday, US special envoy for Lebanon Amos Hochstein told reporters at the White House that “there is a shot” to secure a ceasefire soon and that he is “hopeful” about the deal’s prospects.

Israeli officials have sounded similar notes.

An air of optimism has emerged around the chances for a negotiated end to the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon in the coming weeks.

On Tuesday, US special envoy for Lebanon Amos Hochstein told reporters at the White House that “there is a shot” to secure a ceasefire soon and that he is “hopeful” about the deal’s prospects.

Israeli officials have sounded similar notes.

Read the rest of this article at the Times of Israel.

Lazar Berman is the diplomatic correspondent at the Times of Israel, where he also covers Christian Affairs. He holds an M.A. in Security Studies from Georgetown University and taught at Salahuddin University in Iraqi Kurdistan. Berman is a reserve captain in the IDF’s Commando Brigade and served in a Bedouin unit during his active service.
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