The US State Department’s announcement that the “ceasefire” between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by another 45 days once again highlights the deep disconnect between diplomacy and reality on the ground: While Washington speaks of diplomatic progress and new coordination mechanisms, intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues along the northern front.
According to the US government, the extension followed another round of talks between the parties. At the same time, a “security channel” is to be established at the Pentagon, allowing more direct military contacts between Israeli and Lebanese representatives in order to improve military coordination between the two countries. In practice, however, the daily reality of war continues — with drone attacks, Israeli Air Force strikes and near-daily offensive actions by Hezbollah.
From a diplomatic perspective, the American move reflects an attempt to gradually create a framework for stability, even if that framework is not being fully enforced. The fact that the Israeli public was again informed through Washington, rather than through the political leadership in Jerusalem, also points to Israel’s continued dependence on the American mediator and...
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