Cease-Fire Negotiations Between Hezbollah and Israel Hang in the Balance at UN General Assembly

Tensions Rise as Cease-Fire Negotiations Between Hezbollah and Israel Hang in the Balance

BEIRUT — The fate of cease-fire negotiations between Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Israel remains uncertain as the United Nations General Assembly session approaches its end on Monday, according to a Western diplomat in Beirut.

“The idea of intensification even under negotiation is something that we can expect from both sides,” said the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The diplomat did not rule out the possibility of an escalation over the border despite efforts by a broad coalition of diplomats to push for peace.

A multinational proposal for a 21-day ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel faltered on Thursday morning, dashing hopes of halting the months-long conflict and preventing an all-out war.

While the treaty aims for a long-term peace deal, its immediate goal is to prevent potential escalations, such as an Israeli ground invasion into Lebanon or Hezbollah’s use of its larger missile arsenal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu withdrew his support for the proposal on Thursday after facing opposition from his right-wing cabinet members. However, the Israeli military’s threats of a ground invasion have subsided as diplomats work to secure a pause in the fighting.

Despite ongoing negotiations, the Western diplomat cautioned that unexpected actions could still occur, particularly on the Israeli side. The diplomat highlighted the unpredictability of the situation and the need for continued vigilance.

As the world watches closely, the future of the cease-fire hangs in the balance, with the potential for either peace or further conflict looming on the horizon.