No ceasefire link, no withdrawal: Israel outlines firm Lebanon stance

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian 

Israel has reaffirmed its intention to continue military operations in Lebanon, rejecting any link between its actions and a ceasefire. 

At the same time, it has warned of the consequences of continued Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks on northern Israeli towns, including a projectile that reportedly landed in Kiryat Shmona on Wednesday, which Israel considers a violation of the ceasefire.

With this position, Israel is entering the second round of June negotiations while maintaining that Lebanon's demand for a permanent ceasefire is not open to negotiation. Israeli officials say their efforts are focused on establishing a new equation linking Beirut to the security of northern Israeli communities.

Behind the scenes, however, discussions appear to extend beyond a limited ceasefire. According to reports in Israel citing a U.S. official, Washington is working to significantly reduce Israeli attacks on Lebanon as part of a gradual process leading to a broader security and political settlement.

Israel, which remains opposed to a full withdrawal from southern Lebanon, insists that any future arrangement must include a tangible change in the security situation on the ground and guarantees that Hezbollah will be unable to rebuild its military capabilities along the border.

Against this backdrop, Israel is approaching a U.S.-backed plan to dismantle Hezbollah with caution. Israeli officials have discussed the proposal and welcomed its initial phase, which includes U.S. military training for the Lebanese army on confronting Hezbollah and dismantling its weapons infrastructure.

A source familiar with the discussions said Israel has also secured U.S. approval, as part of the plan, for Israeli forces to remain in southern Lebanon within the boundaries of an expanded "security belt."

According to the source, ongoing talks in Washington are focused on strengthening the role of the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon and reducing Hezbollah's military influence there, while seeking to keep tensions contained and avoid a broader escalation.