Reporting by Amal Shehadeh; English translation by Yasmin Jaroudi
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s message during talks with Israeli officials in Washington stressed that a diplomatic route is the only way to ensure safety and allow displaced Israelis to return to their homes in the north.
The talks aimed at easing tensions with Lebanon were attended by Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and National Security Council Chairman Tsahi Hanegbi.
Israel’s political institutions are focused on a diplomatic solution, but the military plan approved by the Northern Command has yet to be discussed.
Israeli officials agree that there needs to be a constant state of preparedness in case diplomatic efforts fail.
The Israeli report highlighted that the home front is currently unprepared for a potential war with Lebanon, citing a lack of available shelters and inadequate preparation of an air defense system that would take at least three months to be combat ready.
The U.S. proposal reportedly involves a two-phase approach.
The first phase involves implementing security measures to ensure that Hezbollah elements are not present in the border area while Israeli forces maintain their positions, keeping both sides of the border secure and facilitating the return of displaced persons.
The second phase will focus on demarcating the land border. Despite these diplomatic efforts, northern mayors insist that a political solution is not possible without military action in the north and insist that protests continue.
Meanwhile, on the southern front, Israeli forces continue to strengthen operations in Rafah.
The protests continue after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated he opposes ending the war and withdrawing troops from Gaza before all the hostages are returned alive.
As the war in Gaza continues and preparations intensify in the north, the U.S. aircraft carrier Iwo Jima has arrived in the port of Haifa and will soon take part in joint military exercises with the Israeli military.
The drills simulate a multi-front war against Israel, including rocket attacks from Gaza in the south and Hezbollah in the north.
