What it is about
The United States and Israel are working to de-escalate the conflict in Gaza, hoping that scaling back the fighting will encourage the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah to halt its near-daily attacks on Israel’s northern border. US and Israeli officials conveyed their optimism that a reduced conflict could avert a broader regional escalation.
Why it matters
Tensions on Israel’s northern border pose a significant risk. The US is heavily invested in preventing these tensions from erupting into an all-out war, which could destabilize the region further. The Biden administration is also concerned about a major regional conflict that could involve other actors, including Iran.
The Discussions
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant recently met with top US officials, discussing strategies to manage and reduce border tensions. According to IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, the IDF is close to dismantling Hamas’s Rafah Brigade, impacting overall regional stability.
Background
The IDF’s offensive began after a Hamas-led attack on October 7, which led to intense fighting in Gaza. Hezbollah followed with missile attacks on October 8, aiming to support Hamas. Recent defensive efforts have focused on addressing these multi-front threats to maintain security and sanctuary for Israel’s northern and southern borders.
Advanced Tactics
While a ceasefire in Gaza remained elusive, and Hezbollah’s ongoing attacks continued, alternative strategies to de-escalate the situation were discussed, reflecting a robust bilateral effort to manage tumultuous regional dynamics. U.S. officials have emphasized the need for an off-ramp for Hezbollah to reduce hostilities.
Deciphering Hamas’s Response
Recent US characterizations of Hamas’s counterproposal to a ceasefire as a “rejection” further isolate Hamas, underscoring their increased intransigence. This developing perspective in Washington contrasts with the belief in reconciling certain differences, thus placing additional pressure on Hezbollah to decelerate their conflict engagement.
“Paths to Quiet”
The evolving understanding suggests that ensuring calm in Lebanon might indirectly ease tensions in Gaza. Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah has stated their goal of a permanent Gaza ceasefire while emphasizing that they do not seek war with Israel, hinting at potential grounds for compromise amid a complex battleground.
Broader Implications
Continued conflict threatens to derail significant diplomatic efforts, including normalization talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia, and progress toward a sustainable peace plan for the Palestinian state. The US remains resolute in its pursuit of a peaceful resolution to advance both regional stabilizations and broader geopolitical interests.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.