BEIRUT:
Iran has affirmed its support for any decision Lebanon makes in ceasefire negotiations with Israel, signaling Tehran’s preference for an end to the ongoing conflict affecting its ally, Hezbollah.
During a meeting with Iranian official Ali Larijani, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati stressed the importance of halting Israeli aggression and adhering to UN Resolution 1701. Larijani expressed Iran’s backing for Lebanon’s stance, including compliance with the resolution.
At a press conference, Larijani dismissed claims that Iran sought to disrupt the US ceasefire plan, stating, “We seek solutions, not sabotage. The disruptors are Netanyahu and his government.”
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continued to target Hezbollah-controlled areas in southern Beirut, destroying multiple buildings over four days. On Friday, five structures near Tayouneh junction were flattened, with debris spilling into Horsh Beirut, the city’s main park. The Israeli military claimed it targeted Hezbollah munitions depots and command centers, issuing prior warnings about specific sites.
Lebanese officials revealed that the US ambassador had presented a draft ceasefire proposal to Nabih Berri, parliament speaker and Hezbollah-endorsed negotiator. Berri also met Larijani to discuss the situation. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen noted optimism about a ceasefire, describing it as the most promising development since the conflict began.
Reports suggest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is eager to secure a ceasefire as a diplomatic achievement for US President-elect Donald Trump. However, international mediators emphasized that any agreement must adhere to UN Resolution 1701, which requires Hezbollah to move fighters and weapons north of the Litani River. Israel insists on retaining the right to respond if Hezbollah breaches the agreement, a condition Lebanon rejects.
The conflict began in September, following months of cross-border hostilities alongside the Gaza conflict. Israel’s campaign aims to enable displaced northern residents to return home, while over a million Lebanese have been displaced, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis.
Israel claims to have dealt heavy blows to Hezbollah, including the reported death of its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, though Hezbollah continues rocket attacks and skirmishes with Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
The UN reported that an artillery shell struck its southern Lebanon headquarters without exploding, prompting Israeli assurances of an investigation after protests from Italy. Separately, a French UN peacekeeper died in a road accident, and the EU condemned an Israeli strike that killed 12 paramedics near Baalbek.
Lebanon’s health ministry reports over 3,445 deaths from Israeli attacks since October 7, including civilians and fighters. Israel cites around 100 deaths from Hezbollah attacks over the past year.
The EU denounced attacks on medical workers as grave violations of international law, with foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasizing the need to protect healthcare personnel and facilities during conflicts.
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