Western diplomatic sources told the newspaper:HaaretzIn Hebrew, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu withdrew his support for an American-French proposal for a three-week truce with the Lebanese Hezbollah group, after he came under “political pressure” within his country.
According to the sources involved in preparing the truce proposal, Netanyahu and his close friend, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, received regular updates on Tuesday and Wednesday about the ongoing diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire. led by the United States and France.
Initially, both expressed their approval of the cease-fire initiative, but “during Netanyahu’s visit to the United States to participate in the United Nations General Assembly meetings, and after” facing criticism on the part of -within his government, he changed course and took a firmer position towards the proposed peace,” according to Sources.
Blinken: The escalation in Lebanon will make the situation more difficult
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken told Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer on Thursday that further escalation of the conflict in Lebanon will make it more difficult for civilians to return to their homes on both sides of the border. , Department of State. he said in a statement about their meeting.
A senior Western diplomat told the newspaper “Haaretz”: “The Americans had a similar case against Netanyahu during the negotiations on the hostile agreement in Gaza, and then he was afraid of the violent response from his government (right side) and reversed it. halfway.”
When asked about Netanyahu’s move in office, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken refrained from direct criticism, but emphasized the international consensus on a ceasefire.
“I can’t speak for him,” Blinken said at a press conference in New York “I can only say that the world is speaking clearly, with almost all the major countries in Europe and in the department asking for a rest stop. “
He said: “We have been in close contact with Israeli officials this week, and we will continue to work with them and all parties today.”
On Thursday, the United States and France unveiled an updated proposal for a three-week ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with the aim of preventing it from escalating into an all-out war.
Israeli bombing is targeting a border crossing between Lebanon and Syria
The Mutariba border crossing, which connects Syrian and Lebanese territories, was bombed, which the Israeli army said was aimed at “preventing the transfer of fighting methods to Hezbollah.”
The proposal aims to allow for progressive talks over the next three weeks, leading to an end to the war in the region, the release of hostages, and the conclusion of an agreement to remove Hezbollah from the border Israel.
The proposal received official support from Germany, Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as well as the European Union.
In response to harsh criticism and opposition from government ministers about the plan, Netanyahu announced Thursday morning that reports of a ceasefire were false.
A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said: “The Prime Minister ordered the IDF to continue its operations at full strength, according to the plans submitted to him. The fighting in Gaza will also continue until all the war goals are achieved. “
Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, is among the most vocal opponents of the ceasefire proposal, who threatened to withdraw from the government if the peace is accepted.
Following this, an American clarification was issued regarding Netanyahu’s position on the proposal, as White House officials reported on Thursday that the United States was “coordinating” the proposal with the Israeli Prime Minister.
The spokesman for the National Security Council at the White House, John Kirby, explained that the plan presented “was not prepared in a vacuum, but after careful consultations not only with the countries that signed it , but also with Israel.”
He sent In a press release“We had every reason to believe that the Israelis were fully aware of every word in the statement, as it was being drafted and presented it was prepared.”
Meanwhile, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed on Thursday that the call for a cease-fire was “coordinated” by Israel, indicating that “negotiations are continuing” at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Following Kirby’s statements, Netanyahu’s office issued a statement on Friday, saying that Israeli and American officials met on Thursday to discuss the cease-fire proposal in Lebanon brokered by Washington and Paris, and that the discussions would continue in the coming days.
The statement added, “Earlier this week, the United States shared with Israel its intention to advance a ceasefire proposal in Lebanon, with other international and regional partners,” saying that “Israel shares the goals of the US-led campaign, to empower people” on our northern border to return safely to their homes.
The statement expressed Israel’s gratitude for America’s efforts in this regard, as the role of the United States “is essential in enhancing stability and security in the region.”
2024-09-27 06:38:43
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