ALBAWABA - During talks with Netanyahu, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump supported a Lebanon ceasefire. According to The Wall Street Journal and Al Jazeera, critical issues remain unsolved, slowing work toward a final pact.
Israeli public network Kan claimed that Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer visited Trump and new government leaders last Sunday. Trump said, "I want you to reach an agreement on Lebanon." The suggested structure also met his approval.
Sources told Al Jazeera that Trump wants to finish the deal before assuming office. The idea involves Lebanese army and UNIFIL control to prevent Hezbollah from returning to southern Lebanon.
Despite Trump's support, major conflicts remain. Israel wants to attack Hezbollah if the Lebanese army and UNIFIL fail to stop it in the south. Lebanon denounces this circumstance as a breach of its sovereignty.
Al Jazeera also noted Israel's call for Russian soldiers in Syria to stop Hezbollah's weapon smuggling.
According to The Economist and Al Jazeera, U.S.-mediated discussions are progressed. The accord involves Hezbollah leaving north of the Litani River and the Lebanese army entering the south. However, Hezbollah insists that any accord must respect Lebanon's sovereignty and cease Israeli aggression.
Officials in Israel are split. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said conversations are advancing, but Defense Minister Israel Katz said no accord is acceptable without Hezbollah's disarming and evacuation from the south.
Al Jazeera said that security specialists warned that Israel's escalated military efforts in Lebanon might prolong the conflict. They advised decision-makers to reconsider goals, including destroying Hezbollah's military.
