The limit of possibilities: Lebanon named the terms of peace with Israel

Lebanon may consider the possibility of normalizing relations with Israel, provided that all disputed issues are resolved, including the exchange of prisoners and the final definition of borders. The Kataib parliamentary party told Izvestia that it was the elimination of the causes of the conflict that would pave the way for the restoration of diplomatic ties. Meanwhile, the United States is linking security guarantees to Beirut with a commitment to disarm the Hezbollah movement. But the Lebanese authorities are not ready to give a time frame for the demilitarization of the Shiite movement. At the same time, Washington is trying to reduce the growing tensions between Israel and Syria and achieve the signing of a bilateral security agreement between them. But even here, the negotiations are clearly not going to be easy.

Lebanese prisoners in Israel

Lebanon admits the possibility of normalizing relations with Israel, provided that the key contradictions between the two countries are eliminated. In an interview with Izvestia, Marwan Abdullah, head of the foreign relations department of the Kataib parliamentary party, said that the first step on this path should be the final definition of the borders between the two countries, as well as resolving humanitarian issues, including the return of prisoners. Only after that, according to him, it will be possible to talk about the restoration of diplomatic contacts and the formation of new bilateral agreements.

"Like any normal country in the world, Lebanon should have clearly defined borders with its neighbors,— Marwan Abdullah explained. — It is necessary to establish a final demarcation with Israel so that each side knows where its territory is and where the threat starts from.

According to Asharq Al-Awsat sources, the exact number of Lebanese held in Israeli captivity is still unclear. Hezbollah claims to be able to confirm the presence of at least six of its fighters in Israeli prisons, but the International Committee of the Red Cross, according to Lebanese sources, has not yet been given the opportunity to meet with these prisoners and confirm their status. Lebanese citizens were captured by the IDF during the war that began in September 2024.

— The issue with Israel goes beyond the usual demarcation. This is due to the enmity, the issue of prisoners, and the destruction. Therefore, this is a more difficult and painful topic. But when all these issues are resolved, nothing prevents the normalization of relations," Kataib noted.

On the line of resistance: Hezbollah named the conditions for disarmament

In the meantime, the Lebanese authorities have responded to the US de-escalation proposal.

Meanwhile, the United States continues to put pressure on the Lebanese authorities to disarm Hezbollah, without which, according to Washington, it is impossible to talk about security guarantees for Beirut. On July 17, the Lebanese authorities transmitted an official response to the US proposals through the American Embassy. According to media reports, they are ready to discuss the process of transferring all weapons in the country to the state, but they do not intend to make strict temporary commitments.

Earlier, US Special Representative Tom Barak arrived in Beirut for talks with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

"What we have heard from the government is something outstanding. I am incredibly satisfied with the response," the diplomat said after meeting with President Aung.

On June 19, Barak presented a 15-point proposal to the Lebanese side, which called for the complete transfer of arms control to the State and the phased disarmament of Hezbollah within four months. In exchange, Washington promises assistance in the withdrawal of Israeli troops from five positions in Lebanese territory occupied by the Israeli army during the latest escalation.

Normalization of relations between Syria and Israel

The American side insists on clear deadlines for the demilitarization of the Shiite movement, while Lebanon refers to the peculiarities of the country's internal structure and the need for consensus, writes the newspaper Al-Akhbar, which is close to the Hezbollah movement. However, without clear deadlines, the United States does not provide reciprocal guarantees, including Israel's commitment to stop violations and step back from its positions, the sources say.

The delay in the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon may prompt Hezbollah and other resistance forces to retain their weapons, especially if the Lebanese army cannot guarantee the liberation of the occupied territories, Jamal Wakim, a professor at the Lebanese University, told Izvestia.

At the same time, officials in Beirut, according to local media, recognize the impossibility of fulfilling all American requirements in the current conditions.

Peacekeeping profession: the UN Security Council discusses the extension of the mission in Lebanon

Meanwhile, Israel is seeking to curtail the work of the Blue Helmets

The discussion on normalization of Lebanese-Israeli relations is unfolding against the backdrop of growing tensions in neighboring Syria. Clashes between local militias and Druze self-defense forces have resumed in the southern province of Suwayda since July 13. Already on July 15, the Syrian army began mopping up the administrative center of the same name to stabilize the situation. Shortly after, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Syrian military convoys, explaining the need to protect the Druze population. On July 16, several strategic facilities in Damascus were hit.

On July 19, it became known about the agreement between interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the introduction of a ceasefire.

As i24 reported, a meeting will be held at the White House in September under the auspices of US President Donald Trump, at which it is expected to sign a security agreement between Israel and the interim Syrian leadership.

The main obstacle to the rapprochement between the SAR and Israel remains the refusal of the Jewish state to withdraw its forces from the recently occupied territories in the Golan Heights. Nevertheless, the Trump administration's policy is aimed at normalizing relations between Arab countries and Israel, and Lebanon and Syria, which are in a weak position, are more suitable for this task than others.