Israel’s conditions for ending the war in Lebanon are exposed, and it will actively enforce law and operate freely in the airspace in Lebanon_1

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On October 20, Israel continued its airstrikes against Hezbollah, targeting areas along the Lebanese border. According to two U.S. officials and two Israeli officials, last week, Israel submitted a document to the United States outlining its conditions for ending the war in Lebanon and allowing civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes. These conditions include permitting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to conduct “active enforcement” operations in Lebanon and allowing free movement in Lebanese airspace. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein is expected to arrive in Beirut on the 20th to discuss these Israeli conditions.

Axios reported that informed officials revealed that Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, a close ally of Prime Minister Netanyahu, delivered the document to Hochstein on October 17.

Israeli officials indicated that the document was the result of discussions between Dermer, the Israeli Ministry of Defense, and the IDF, requesting the right for the IDF to carry out “active enforcement” to ensure that Hezbollah does not rearm or reconstruct its military infrastructure in areas close to the border in southern Lebanon.

The officials added that Israel is also seeking the right to operate freely in Lebanese airspace.

However, these two demands contradict United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) oversee the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

A U.S. official noted that it is highly unlikely that Lebanon and the international community would agree to such conditions, as they would significantly undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty. The White House and the Israeli embassy in Washington declined to comment.

In addition, Hochstein is expected to meet with Lebanese Acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker Nabih Berri, and other Lebanese officials on the 20th to discuss Israel’s demands.

Berri stated on the same day to Al-Arabiya that Hochstein’s visit could represent “the last opportunity for reaching a solution before the U.S. elections.” He emphasized that all parties in Lebanon are aligned with the principles of UN Resolution 1701, clearly rejecting any modification to that resolution.