Israel reportedly believes that Moscow’s participation in negotiations would add stability to any future deal
Israel is seeking Russia’s involvement in peace efforts to resolve its conflict with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, according to reports by Ynet news and other Israeli media outlets, citing sources involved in negotiations. Israel believes Moscow’s participation could contribute to a more stable outcome and reduce reliance on the United States.
“The Russians will have a special role in implementing the agreement and preventing further escalation,” a source told Ynet.
Orna Mizrahi, a former Israeli deputy national security adviser, told Newsweek that while Israel “prefers the Americans,” it acknowledges Russia’s “good relations” with Iran could contribute to the stability of any future agreement on Lebanon.
“Another point is the fact that they are part of the UN Security Council five and if we get to the point that we have some kind of a new resolution about the ceasefire in the UN Security Council, we would like the Russians to approve it,” she said.
Israeli media reports this week suggested that negotiations on a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon have reached “advanced stages.” US President Joe Biden’s envoy, Amos Hochstein, who is mediating between Israel and Lebanon, reportedly reached preliminary agreements on the deal during a visit to Beirut earlier this week.
The deal would entail wider implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, passed in 2006, which calls for the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces from the Lebanese-Israeli border. It introduces an international mechanism to oversee the region and address violations claimed by either Israel or Lebanon, and reportedly prohibits Hezbollah from rearming, effectively banning the group from acquiring military assets.
Israeli officials told Ynet that if signed, the deal would begin with a 60-day ceasefire, during which the new mechanism to oversee the region would be established.
Hochstein is expected to arrive in Israel before the US presidential election scheduled for November 5 to finalize the deal. Reports claim that Moscow has already discussed the situation with Iran, which is said to be encouraging Hezbollah to agree to the terms.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday neither confirmed nor denied Russia’s involvement in the peace process, but stated that Moscow “maintains contacts with all parties of the conflict.”
“And, of course, if our assistance is needed, Russia is ready to play its part,” he stated.