The United States and France issued a joint request for a 21-day cease-fire along the Israel-Lebanon border on Wednesday. The goal is to allow time for negotiations toward a more lasting peace deal between Israel and Hezbollah. The announcement comes amid increased tension and fighting between the two sides.
In a joint statement, U.S. President Joe Biden and President of France Emmanuel Macron stressed the importance of stopping the violence. And to “give diplomacy a chance to succeed.” They urged both the Israeli and Lebanese governments to support the cease-fire.
Growing Concerns About a Wider Conflict
The diplomatic push follows Israel’s decision on Monday to intensify its air campaign against Hezbollah. There are also reports that Israel is considering a ground invasion into Lebanon. This escalation began nearly a year ago when Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran, began firing at Israel in solidarity with Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.
With the words, “It is time for a settlement on the Israel-Lebanon border that ensures safety and security to enable civilians to return to their homes,” Presidents Biden and Macron highlighted the need for peace in their statement.
The two leaders met earlier Wednesday during the United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss the cease-fire. Their call for a halt to the fighting has already been supported by several other countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, and Saudi Arabia.
No Immediate Response from Lebanon or Israel
Neither Hezbollah nor the governments of Israel and Lebanon have responded to the call for a cease-fire yet. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was on his way to New York when the announcement was made. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, is also in New York. He spoke at the UN Security Council on Wednesday.
A senior Biden administration official said they haven’t received confirmation from either side but expect to hear back soon. The official added, “We believe now is the time for a diplomatic solution, no matter what has happened in the fighting.” Another official was hopeful that if the fighting stops in Lebanon, it could help create a cease-fire in Gaza too, where the situation with Israel and Hamas is still very dangerous.
Death Toll and Displacement in Lebanon
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has led to some of the worst fighting seen in the region since the 2006 war. The past week has been particularly violent, with at least 600 people killed in Lebanon since the fighting escalated on September 17. More than 90,000 people have been displaced, according to reports.
On Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon killed 72 people, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health. Just a day earlier, Hezbollah fired a projectile at Tel Aviv, marking its first such attack in the decades-long conflict between the two sides.
The escalating violence has raised concerns that Israel could soon launch a ground invasion into southern Lebanon. If this happens, it could lead to a much larger and deadlier conflict. There are fears that such an invasion might pull the United States, an ally of Israel, into a direct conflict with Iran, which supports Hezbollah.
Israel Open to Diplomacy, But Ready for War
An Israeli official, who spoke anonymously, stated that Israel is not seeking a war with Lebanon, but is prepared to defend itself if necessary. “Israel has consistently stated that it will give a diplomatic solution a chance, and this remains the case,” the official said. The same official indicated that while Israel is open to diplomacy. It is not deterred by the possibility of a broader conflict.
The Search for a Diplomatic Solution
For nearly a year, Amos Hochstein, a senior adviser in the White House, has been working to mediate peace between Israel and Lebanon. His efforts have focused on finding a way to calm the border and prevent further escalation. Hezbollah’s constant strikes on Israel have hindered these diplomatic efforts. Hezbollah maintains that it will not stop attacking unless the Gaza Strip sees a cease-fire as well.
The recent joint call by the U.S. and France represents a significant step in the ongoing efforts to bring peace to the region. With the support of several other nations, there is hope that the proposed 21-day cease-fire. This initiative by France and U.S will allow for meaningful negotiations that could lead to a more lasting peace.