Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz suggested that Lebanon could normalize relations with Israel if an agreement with Saudi Arabia is achieved. The discussions on normalization have been stalled due to the ongoing Gaza conflict, and the recognition of Palestinian statehood complicates the situation.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, has indicated that Lebanon may consider normalizing relations with Israel contingent upon a prior agreement between Tel Aviv and Riyadh. Katz articulated this perspective during a diplomatic engagement with Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tiani. He stated, “Lebanon could become part of the circle of normalization with Israel if normalization with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is achieved.” However, details regarding how such a scenario could unfold remain unclear. Currently, Lebanon does not recognize Israel and is technically in a state of conflict with the nation. The United States has been mediating discussions aimed at establishing ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which would possibly involve an accompanying security agreement. Notably, these discussions have been stalled amidst ongoing hostilities following the eruption of the Gaza war, with Saudi Arabia firmly opposing normalization without a resolution granting Palestinians their own state—an outcome that Israel’s far-right leadership appears unwilling to support. Minister Tiani expressed Italy’s position, asserting that Italy will not recognize a Palestinian state absent a formal agreement with Israel, citing that such recognition carries little significance in the context of Hamas being designated as a terrorist organization. Amidst these geopolitical considerations, Katz also emphasized the importance of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) during his discussions with Tiani, advocating for revisions to its mandate to enhance its operational effectiveness against Hezbollah. He noted recent escalations where Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon resulted in significant civilian casualties and intensified cross-border conflict, with over 1,500 fatalities reported. Katz’s remarks highlighted a desire for UNIFIL to play an integral role in future resolutions concerning Lebanon’s security dynamics, including a proposal to expand its authority under amendments to UN Resolution 1701—a move that the Lebanese government contends would infringe upon its sovereignty.
The dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics have been significantly shaped by the historical and ongoing animosities between Israel and Arab nations. Lebanon’s non-recognition of Israel, coupled with the decades-long conflict between the two nations, has created a complex landscape. The potential normalization between Israel and Lebanon is intricately linked to broader regional agreements, particularly with Saudi Arabia, which has emerged as a pivotal player in negotiations. The United States has been actively involved in facilitating dialogue aimed at establishing Israeli-Saudi relations, a development that many analysts believe could catalyze changes in Lebanon’s stance towards Israel. The involvement of international peacekeeping forces, such as UNIFIL, underscores the challenges faced in managing conflicts in the region, particularly regarding the Iranian-backed Hezbollah’s activities against Israel.
In conclusion, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, posits that Lebanon may be inclined to normalize relations with Israel if a preceding agreement with Saudi Arabia is secured. Despite this potentially optimistic scenario, the path to normalization remains fraught with obstacles, primarily due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Palestine and the surrounding conflicts. Additionally, the role of international peacekeeping forces remains critical in mitigating hostilities and ensuring regional stability. The discourse between these nations highlights the intricate interplay of diplomacy, recognition, and security in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
