Israel Targets Hezbollah Leadership as US, Arab States Pursue Ceasefire Talks

Hezbollah has softened its stance on linking a ceasefire in Lebanon with a truce in Gaza, as Israeli ground operations continue along the Lebanese-Israeli border, coupled with airstrikes in Beirut and surrounding regions. Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem stated that they support efforts led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri aimed at securing a ceasefire in Lebanon. Qassem, in a televised speech marking the anniversary of Hezbollah's involvement in the conflict, emphasized that once the ceasefire is established, further decisions would be addressed collaboratively.

Reports indicate that covert negotiations are underway involving the United States, Arab states, and Iran, aimed at achieving a comprehensive ceasefire to de-escalate conflicts across multiple fronts. A senior Israeli official suggested that any ceasefire agreement would involve Hezbollah withdrawing beyond the Litani River and dismantling military installations near the border. The United States and Israel are expected to discuss these matters further during an upcoming call between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Following the launch of Israel's military campaign, dubbed "Northern Arrows," on September 23 targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, Israeli forces escalated their operations by initiating ground assaults in southern Lebanon from October 1. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on September 27, leading to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's announcement of intensified efforts against Hezbollah's leadership. Netanyahu claimed that the Israeli Defense Forces had also eliminated Nasrallah's successors, reinforcing Israel's commitment to dismantling Hezbollah's command structure.

The US...