US presents new blueprint to push Hezbollah away from Israeli border

U.S. President Joe Biden's Middle East envoy Amos Hochstein has outlined the key elements of a proposed political settlement to deescalate tensions between Israel and Hezbollah during his visit to Israel on Sunday, Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported.

“The plan consists of two phases: In the first, Hezbollah would cease hostilities along the border with Israel and will retreat between eight to ten kilometers north from the border,” the daily said.

“Israeli residents will return to their homes, and a significant deployment of the Lebanese army and UNIFIL peacekeeping forces will maintain stability in southern Lebanon and along the border,” the newspaper added.

“In the second phase, Israel and Lebanon will begin negotiations to demarcate the land border, including discussions on 13 points on disputes along their shared boundaries. Simultaneously, the U.S. and the international community will explore offering ‘economic incentives’ to Lebanon,” Yedioth Ahronoth said.

According to the daily, Hochstein has received the green light from the Lebanese government for his proposal, though it remains unclear whether Hezbollah agrees with the arrangement.

The envoy, who on Sunday met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister Benny Gantz urged Israel to give his plan a chance, Yedioth Ahronoth said.

Gallant for his part clarified to Hochstein that Israel is committed to improving the security situation in northern Israel, which includes returning northern residents to their homes after “eliminating the threat of raids and direct fire from Lebanese territory.”

Gallant and Hochstein discussed various options for advancing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, with Gallant emphasizing Israel's “commitment to its northern residents above all else,” stating that Israel is prepared to resolve the crisis diplomatically but is ready for any contingency. Gallant also thanked Hochstein for his extensive efforts to achieve a political solution and alter the situation at the northern border.

Gantz for his part expressed his appreciation for “the significant efforts and the crucial role the United States plays in addressing current regional challenges” during his meeting with Hochstein.

Gantz's office further reported that he emphasized to Hochstein that Lebanon bears responsibility for “terrorism emanating from its territory” and that Israel will expand and intensify its military actions to eliminate the threat unless the international community and Lebanon take steps to do so, regardless of the developments in the war in Gaza.