Threats of war with Lebanon: Israel rejects US proposal amid Amos Hochstein's visit

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

As the U.S. administration grows increasingly concerned about Israel's escalating threats to wage war against Lebanon, American envoy Amos Hochstein visited Tel Aviv to prevent a broader regional conflict. 

In meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Hochstein expressed Washington's desire to avoid war on Israel's northern front and move toward a peaceful resolution.

The U.S. proposal, discussed during Hochstein's visit, reportedly centers on redrawing the land borders between Israel and Lebanon, specifically in areas such as the village of Ghajar and the Shebaa Farms. 

Washington's plan suggests using the location of a tent previously set up by Hezbollah near the border before the outbreak of the Al-Aqsa Flood war as a reference point. 

However, this proposal was swiftly rejected by Israel, which sees it as a provocative move that could set a dangerous precedent undermining what it calls its sovereignty in the region.

After Hochstein's visit, Defense Minister Gallant had already informed his U.S. counterpart, Lloyd Austin, that Israel rejected the U.S. proposal on Sunday night. 

Gallant ruled out the possibility of a peaceful settlement in the north, stressing that northern residents' return to their homes could only occur if Hezbollah withdrew at least 10 kilometers from the border.

Although Prime Minister Netanyahu remained silent on the U.S. proposal pending a Cabinet meeting Monday evening, Israeli military leadership continued to prepare for a potential conflict with Lebanon, despite warnings from security and political figures about the possible dangers. 

Some officials cited the failure of five missile defense systems to intercept a Houthi missile as a troubling sign of Israel's vulnerability in the event of a full-scale war with Lebanon.

Hochstein's talks took place as several towns in northern Israel entered a state of war, with schools closed and air raid sirens sounding continuously. 

In parallel, the head of Israel's Northern Command held discussions with top officials about the possibility of creating a security buffer zone in southern Lebanon, with plans for the Israeli military to begin implementation in the coming days.