Israeli FM: Hezbollah is the obstacle to Israel–Lebanon peace and normalization

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar spoke today (Wednesday) at a reception at President Isaac Herzog’s residence, marking Independence Day for the diplomatic corps stationed in Israel.

Referring to the meeting set to take place tomorrow in the U.S. between Lebanon’s and Israel’s ambassadors to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Maawad and Yechiel Leiter, Sa’ar said: "We made a historic decision to hold direct negotiations with Lebanon after more than 40 years. Unfortunately, Lebanon is a failed state—a state effectively controlled by Iran through Hezbollah. From this follows a conclusion: Hezbollah is a common enemy of Israel and Lebanon. Just as it endangers Israel’s security, it harms Lebanon’s sovereignty and endangers its future."

"We do not have major disputes with Lebanon. There are a few minor disagreements over the border route that can be resolved. The obstacle to peace and normalization between the countries is one—Hezbollah. Tomorrow, direct dialogue in Washington between Israel and Lebanon will resume. From here I call on the Lebanese government: Let us cooperate against the terror state that Hezbollah has established on your soil. This cooperation is needed by you even more than by us. It requires moral clarity and the courage to take risks. But there is no real alternative to ensure for you and for us a future of peace—and for you, Lebanon, also a future of sovereignty, independence, and liberation from the Iranian occupation."

Sa’ar added: "The people of Israel wanted and still want peace. Real peace. Peace not based on illusions, on abandoning the future and security. Peace based on security. And it requires strategic patience and wisdom. It also requires the ability to confront the enemies of peace, to prevent them from consolidating their power, because they have always used it at the next stage."

According to a report today on CNN, Lebanon wants to extend the ceasefire with Israel by at least one month. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said today in a conversation with reporters in his country: "Lebanon’s ambassador to the U.S., Nada Hamadeh Maawad, is the one who will be present at the preliminary meeting scheduled for tomorrow at the U.S. State Department, for the extension of the ceasefire agreement and the stopping of Israeli aggression and the destruction of homes and villages in southern Lebanon."

"Lebanon’s position in the negotiations is very clear: There will be no compromises and concessions or negotiations that do not guarantee Lebanon’s sovereignty and the preservation of the interest of all Lebanese. The return of the displaced to their villages is among our priorities. The residents of the south and the Lebanese are tired of the wars of the past, and the state intends to ensure for them a safe and dignified return to their villages."