U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein is scheduled to arrive in Beirut on Monday for crucial talks with Lebanese officials aimed at negotiating the terms for a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. This comes as Israel expands its air campaign against Hezbollah assets in Lebanon, following cross-border hostilities that have persisted for over a year.
Israeli airstrikes overnight targeted several branches of the Hezbollah-linked financial institution, Al-Qard al-Hassan, in Beirut, southern Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley. Although the strikes caused significant damage, there were no immediate reports of casualties. Israel has expressed concerns over Hezbollah's military build-up, with reports indicating that Israel has provided the U.S. with a set of conditions for a diplomatic solution, according to sources cited by Axios.
Among Israel's demands are provisions that would allow its military forces to engage in "active enforcement" to prevent Hezbollah from rearming near the Israeli border. Israel also insists on unrestricted access to Lebanese airspace for its air force. However, a U.S. official has suggested that these demands may face significant opposition from Lebanon and the international community.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated a year ago when the group began launching rockets in support of Hamas in Gaza. In response, Israel launched a ground offensive in Lebanon to stabilize its northern border, displacing many Lebanese and Israeli civilians.
Over the weekend, Israeli jets struck Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters and an underground weapons facility in Beirut. Reports indicate that three Hezbollah commanders were killed. Hezbollah has not officially responded to these attacks but did confirm the firing of missiles at Israeli forces along the border.
Israeli airstrikes on financial infrastructure linked to Hezbollah, including the heavily populated Chiyah neighborhood in Beirut, have led to widespread panic among residents. Eyewitnesses reported multiple explosions and mass evacuations as plumes of black smoke filled the sky.
The conflict, which began with a Hamas-led assault on Israel in October last year, has resulted in significant casualties. More than 42,500 Palestinians have been killed, and millions have been displaced in Gaza, while Lebanese officials estimate that over 2,400 people have died, with more than 1.2 million displaced in Lebanon. Fifty-nine Israelis have been killed in the northern regions and the Golan Heights during the same period.
As the U.S. continues its diplomatic efforts, regional powers remain skeptical about the possibility of a lasting ceasefire, given the longstanding hostilities and Israel’s ongoing military operations.