Israel's defense minister has emphasized that any agreement to end fighting in Lebanon must include the country's right to act militarily against Hezbollah.
This condition is expected to face significant resistance from Lebanon's government, which views it as a threat to sovereignty, further complicating efforts to resolve over a year of conflict.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated Wednesday that any political settlement must preserve Israel's intelligence capabilities and military rights to protect its citizens from Hezbollah.
The demand highlights Israel's unwavering stance amid ongoing hostilities with the militant group.
Lebanon's government, which has mediated between Israel and Hezbollah, has pushed for adherence to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
This resolution, enacted after the 2006 war, requires the withdrawal of both Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces from a buffer zone in southern Lebanon patrolled by U.N. peacekeepers.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein has been working to broker a ceasefire, meeting with Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally.
While Hochstein reported "additional progress" during Wednesday's talks, he acknowledged unresolved issues and planned further discussions in Israel.
The fighting has claimed over 3,500 lives in Lebanon, with 15,000 wounded and 1.2 million displaced, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry.
On Israel's side, 87 soldiers and 50 civilians, including foreign workers, have been killed in attacks involving rockets, drones, and missiles.
Tensions Escalate Following Gaza Conflict
Hezbollah's attacks on Israel began shortly after Hamas' Oct. 7 assault on Israeli territory, which triggered the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
That attack resulted in 1,200 deaths, primarily civilians, with 250 hostages taken and 100 still missing, many of which are thought to be dead. Israel's counteroffensive has killed nearly 44,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities.
The spillover into Lebanon marks a significant escalation, straining already fragile regional dynamics.
Civilian and Military Losses Mount
The broader regional conflict has led to civilian and military casualties on both sides.
On Wednesday, a Lebanese army soldier was killed in an Israeli airstrike on a vehicle in southern Lebanon, with three soldiers killed a day earlier in Sarafand.
While Lebanon's army has not been actively involved in the fighting, over 40 soldiers have died since hostilities resumed.
Efforts to address the humanitarian toll include Israel permitting the evacuation of an Al Jazeera journalist wounded in Gaza to Jordan for treatment.
Al Jazeera has remained critical of Israel's military actions, maintaining continuous coverage of civilian casualties despite facing restrictions and accusations from Israeli authorities.
With tensions high, diplomatic efforts remain critical to averting a wider regional conflagration.
This article includes additional reporting from The Associated Press
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