United States Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin (REUTERS/FILE)
United States Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austinhad a conversation with his counterpart from Israel, Yoav Gallanton Israeli military operations in Gaza y Lebanon and discussed “opportunities for regional de-escalation,” reported the Pentagon in a statement.
“Secretary Austin reiterated the United States’ commitment to a diplomatic agreement in Lebanon that allows Lebanese and Israeli civilians to safely return to their homes on both sides of the border, as well as an agreement for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gazasaid the official text, published on Monday night Washington.
During the conversation, Lloyd reiterated the “unwavering support” of USA to the defense of Israel and stressed that USA “is well positioned to defend its personnel, allies and partners against attacks by Iran and from partners and proxies backed by Iran.”
This talk took place on the same day that the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahuannounced that he would be willing to accept a two-day truce in the Strip Gaza in exchange for freeing four hostages, in case he received said proposal from the mediators in the negotiations of Doha.
The United States and Israel evaluated options for a de-escalation of military operations in Gaza and Lebanon (REUTERS/FILE)
The head of the Mashed, David Barneareturned this Monday to Israel from Dohawhere he held meetings with the mediating countries for a truce in the Strip Gaza and the release of the hostages, and negotiations will continue in the coming days.
“In the coming days, talks will continue between the mediators and with Hamas to examine the viability of the talks and continue trying to promote an agreement”the Prime Minister’s Office reported in a statement.
internal He held meetings on Sunday with the head of the CIA, Bill Burnsand the Qatari Prime Minister, Mohamed bin Abderrahmanwho acts as an interlocutor for the Islamist group, since Hamas does not participate directly in the negotiations.
The head of intelligence also participated in the conversations. Egypt, Hasan Mahmud Rashadalthough Israel He does not expressly mention it in his note.
“At the meeting, the parties discussed a new unified scheme that combines previous proposals and also takes into account the main issues and recent developments in the region“said the Israeli statement.
The head of Mossad traveled to Doha for a meeting with peace negotiators in the Palestinian enclave (EUROPA PRESS/ARCHIVE)
Sources close to the talks in Doha told EFE that the Israeli delegation is giving positive signals so that a possible truce in the Gaza Strip also leads to a cessation of hostilities and a “political agreement” in Lebanon; and the mediators view with “optimism” the receptivity of the Israeli delegation
“The head of Mossad is taking steps to try to connect the two arenas (Gaza and Lebanon) and benefit from the strategic achievements in the confrontation with Hezbollah”indicated the informants on condition of anonymity.
They added that Israel is considering reaching “a political agreement” on the northern border of Israel -presumably relating to resolution 1701 that ended the war 2006 in Lebanon – “in addition to a pact” to release the hostages held by the Islamist group Hamas in Gaza.
The main proposal on the table is the one announced yesterday, Sunday, by the president of Egypt, Abdel Fattah al Sisi.which proposed a 48-hour ceasefire during which four Israeli hostages will be released to “rebuild trust between the mediators and Israel.”
Furthermore, the source indicated that Ten days after the implementation of that temporary truce, the possibility of stopping the war in Gaza would be negotiated in expanded talks in the coming days in the Egyptian capital..
After the assassination of the leader of Hamas, Yahya Sinwarmediators – especially USA– have asked to take advantage of the opportunity to achieve a truce in Gazawhile the terrorists Hezbollah has reiterated its commitment to stopping its attacks against Israel once the war ends in the devastated Palestinian enclave.
(With information from EFE)
