Biden says allies that Netanyahu does not want to cease hostilities in Lebanon - Politico
US President Joe Biden (photo: Getty Images)
This week, US President Joe Biden told trusted aides and allies that he does not believe Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu wants to cease hostilities with Hezbollah, reports Politico.
One source who spoke with Biden indicated that the president believes Netanyahu has embarrassed both Secretary of State Antony Blinken and himself with his disputes over the proposal for a ceasefire with Hezbollah.
Negotiations for a ceasefire
Negotiations led by the US regarding a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon have stalled in recent days over convincing Hezbollah to withdraw 8-10 kilometers from Israel's northern border with Lebanon. According to two individuals familiar with the talks, participants considered this a crucial first step toward solidifying the proposed 21-day ceasefire.
The ceasefire agreement aimed to lay the groundwork for a long-term peace settlement, but a powerful Israeli airstrike on Friday could completely undermine these efforts.
Strike on Beirut
On September 27, Israeli forces struck the capital of Lebanon, Beirut, targeting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The strike was aimed at an underground bunker where the organization's leaders meet. It is currently unclear whether Nasrallah is alive.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in New York for a session of the UN General Assembly. In his speech, he stated that if Iran attacks Israel, the IDF will respond with force.
A source from The Telegraph reported that Netanyahu went to the US partly to make Nasrallah believe he is safe.
According to Reuters sources, Nasrallah has been unreachable since the Israeli strikes.
