President Biden's top Middle East advisers are working to broker a temporary cease-fire agreement between Israel and the Lebanon-based terrorist group Hezbollah. The aim is to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has been criticized for its ineffectiveness in disarming Hezbollah.
UNIFIL was established following the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel, with a goal to assist the Lebanese army in disarming the Iran-backed terrorist organization. A two-month period is being proposed to finalize the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which aims to keep southern Lebanon free of arms outside state control.
U.S. presidential advisers are set to arrive in Israel to facilitate the cease-fire deal, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is discussing a long-term agreement to halt Hezbollah's activities. The potential deal involves Israeli enforcement of Resolution 1701 alongside the Lebanese army, bypassing UNIFIL.
Hezbollah's new leader, Naim Qassem, has vowed to continue the group's hostilities against Israel, rejecting calls for a cease-fire. Recent military strikes by Israel have targeted key Hezbollah figures, including the elimination of Mustafa Ahmad Shahadi, a deputy commander of Hezbollah's Radwan Forces.
Despite ongoing rocket attacks by Hezbollah, Israeli defense officials estimate a significant reduction in the group's missile capabilities. The IDF has urged UNIFIL troops to withdraw from south Lebanon due to security concerns, as Hezbollah has been accused of endangering UNIFIL personnel.
Allegations of Hezbollah bribing UNIFIL personnel to act against Israel have surfaced, prompting UNIFIL to launch an investigation. Lt. Col. Sarit Zehavi of the Alma Research and Education Center has highlighted UNIFIL's role in enabling Hezbollah to build military infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
Recent IDF operations have targeted Hezbollah's underground facilities and explosives caches, indicating ongoing efforts to degrade the group's capabilities. The situation remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue to secure a temporary cease-fire and address the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
