US reportedly shifts ceasefire focus to Iran, abandons efforts for separate Lebanon deal

The United States and several Arab nations are engaged in covert negotiations with Iran to achieve a regional ceasefire, according to a report from Israeli news site N12. 

On Tuesday night, N12 claimed in its report that the U.S. and “certain countries in the Arab world” are discussing a proposal with Iran for a comprehensive ceasefire on all fronts.

At present, it is not clear if this ceasefire deal would include Hamas and the remaining hostages in Gaza because of the complex situation there involving limited contact with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, and recent statements by Sinwar and senior official Khaled Meshaal, indicating a hardening of Hamas’ stance. 

N12 said that while Israel has become aware of this effort, it is not involved. A senior government official told the news site, “We are currently at a point of strength; a ceasefire will be on our terms, including a withdrawal north of the Litani River and the dismantling of all Hezbollah's military compounds in areas near the border.” 

This report appears to align with a CNN report claiming the U.S. is not actively pursuing the previous Israel-Lebanon ceasefire deal that it attempted to negotiate just before Israeli forces eliminated Hezbollah Sec.-Gen. Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike. 

The United States is concerned that Israel’s willingness to operate independently in Lebanon, ignoring previous calls from Western allies not to escalate the situation, could lead to a broader regional war, which could endanger U.S. troops stationed throughout the Middle East. 

Israel’s operational success against Hezbollah, starting with the pager operation, and continuing with the elimination of many of Hezbollah’s high-ranking military officials, led the Israeli government to conclude that it had a unique opportunity to strike Hezbollah hard and fast. This momentum would help Israel to force the terror group to retreat beyond the Litani River, as demanded by UN Security Council Resolution 1701. 

CNN quoted a senior U.S. official who said, “We couldn’t stop them from taking action, but we can at least try to shape what it looks like.” 

Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli diplomat, told CNN, “The only leverage that the Americans have right now is summoning the defense minister to Washington and buying time.” 

With Gallant's trip to the White House postponed – and IDF momentum in Lebanon despite U.S. calls for restraint – an attempt to shape Israel’s actions is looking less likely. 

Amid reports of strained relations and distrust between the Biden administration and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it appears the U.S. has opted to pursue negotiations with Iran, a key supplier and funder of both Hezbollah and Hamas.

The report comes just as news from Lebanon indicates that Hezbollah is showing a growing willingness to agree to a ceasefire, even one that does not include Gaza.