As tensions continue to escalate between Hezbollah and the Israeli military, the situation in southern Lebanon remains volatile. On October 21, thick smoke could be seen rising over the city of Khiam, as reported by Reuters. According to a report from Axios on October 20, which cited two US officials and two Israeli officials, Israel submitted a document to the United States outlining stringent conditions to halt its military operations in Lebanon last week. US envoy Amos Hochstein visited Beirut on October 21 with plans to discuss diplomatic solutions to the conflict and Israel’s demands. However, these conditions conflict with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, and US officials believe that Lebanon and the international community are unlikely to agree.
Israeli officials stated that one of the conditions for a ceasefire with Hezbollah, allowing civilian returns to the Israel-Lebanon border area, includes the Israeli military being permitted to conduct “active enforcement actions” to ensure that Hezbollah does not rearm or rebuild military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Another demand is for the Israeli Air Force to have freedom of movement within Lebanese airspace.
This document was sent by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s close adviser, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who drafted it following discussions with the Israeli Defense Ministry and military. Dermer sent the document to Hochstein on October 17.
However, these demands contradict UNSC Resolution 1701, which established that after the cessation of the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese Armed Forces and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were to enforce the ceasefire. One US official remarked that these Israeli conditions would significantly undermine Lebanese sovereignty, leading Lebanon and the international community to likely reject them.
Israeli officials argue their point hinges on the necessity to strengthen the enforcement of the earlier resolution: “If the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL do more, the Israeli military will have to do less, and vice versa.” Neither the White House nor Israel’s embassy in the US have commented on these developments.
Hochstein is expected to meet with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, among others. Berri stated on October 20 that Hochstein’s trip represents the last chance before the US elections to reach a resolution regarding the conflict in Lebanon, emphasizing a consensus on the existing resolution in Lebanon and rejecting any modifications.
Meanwhile, the conflict intensified again on October 20, as reported by the Lebanese National News Agency that evening. Israeli forces targeted bombings of financial institutions suspected of funding Hezbollah, with 11 bombings occurring in southern Beirut and other strikes focused on the eastern Bekaa Valley and southern Lebanon.
These attacks primarily targeted Al-Qard Al-Hassan, an institution that the US alleges Hezbollah uses to manage its finances. According to the Jerusalem Post, Hezbollah reportedly buys arms using deposits from this institution.
In addition, a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that up to 1,000 women and children are expected to be evacuated from the Gaza Strip to Europe soon, where they will receive emergency medical care, as stated by WHO’s European Regional Office Director, Dr. Hans Kluge, on October 21.
Furthermore, Israeli military operations continue in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, with local residents and healthcare workers reporting that Israeli forces bombed residential buildings and surrounded schools and shelters designated for displaced persons on the same day.
