Israel seeks Russian mediation for peace, reports say
Media reports indicate that Israel is seeking Russia's involvement in peace initiatives to resolve its conflict with Hezbollah. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Israel is reportedly seeking Russia's involvement in peace efforts aimed at resolving its conflict with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, according to Ynet news and multiple local sources citing officials engaged in the negotiations. The expectation from West Jerusalem is that Moscow’s participation could enhance the stability of any future agreement and lessen Israel's reliance on the United States.
“The Russians will have a special role in implementing the agreement and preventing further escalation,” a source informed Ynet.
Orna Mizrahi, a former deputy national security adviser of Israel, addressed these reports in an interview with Newsweek, indicating that while Israel "prefers the Americans," it acknowledges that Russia’s "good relations" with Iran might play a role in stabilizing any future agreements concerning Lebanon.
“Another point is the fact that they are part of the UN Security Council five, and if we reach a point where we have some kind of new resolution about the ceasefire in the UN Security Council, we would like the Russians to approve it,” she commented.
Reports from Israeli media this week suggested that discussions surrounding a ceasefire deal in Lebanon have progressed to “advanced stages.” US President Joe Biden’s envoy, Amos Hochstein, who is mediating the discussions between Israel and Lebanon, is said to have achieved preliminary agreements during a recent trip to Beirut.
The proposed deal includes a broader implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, enacted in 2006, which calls for the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces from the Lebanese-Israeli border. It aims to establish an international mechanism to oversee the area and address violation claims from either side, while also reportedly preventing Hezbollah from rearming, effectively banning the group from acquiring military capabilities.
Israeli officials disclosed to Ynet that, if finalized, the agreement would initiate a 60-day cease-fire during which the new supervisory mechanism would be implemented.
Hochstein is reportedly scheduled to arrive in Israel ahead of the US presidential election on November 5 to finalize the agreement. The reports indicate that Moscow has already engaged in discussions with Iran, which is believed to be encouraging Hezbollah to accept the terms.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that he could neither confirm nor deny Russia's involvement in the peace process but mentioned that Moscow “maintains contacts with all parties of the conflict.”
“And, of course, if our assistance is needed, Russia is ready to play its part,” he noted.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
“The Russians will have a special role in implementing the agreement and preventing further escalation,” a source informed Ynet.
Orna Mizrahi, a former deputy national security adviser of Israel, addressed these reports in an interview with Newsweek, indicating that while Israel "prefers the Americans," it acknowledges that Russia’s "good relations" with Iran might play a role in stabilizing any future agreements concerning Lebanon.
“Another point is the fact that they are part of the UN Security Council five, and if we reach a point where we have some kind of new resolution about the ceasefire in the UN Security Council, we would like the Russians to approve it,” she commented.
Reports from Israeli media this week suggested that discussions surrounding a ceasefire deal in Lebanon have progressed to “advanced stages.” US President Joe Biden’s envoy, Amos Hochstein, who is mediating the discussions between Israel and Lebanon, is said to have achieved preliminary agreements during a recent trip to Beirut.
The proposed deal includes a broader implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, enacted in 2006, which calls for the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces from the Lebanese-Israeli border. It aims to establish an international mechanism to oversee the area and address violation claims from either side, while also reportedly preventing Hezbollah from rearming, effectively banning the group from acquiring military capabilities.
Israeli officials disclosed to Ynet that, if finalized, the agreement would initiate a 60-day cease-fire during which the new supervisory mechanism would be implemented.
Hochstein is reportedly scheduled to arrive in Israel ahead of the US presidential election on November 5 to finalize the agreement. The reports indicate that Moscow has already engaged in discussions with Iran, which is believed to be encouraging Hezbollah to accept the terms.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that he could neither confirm nor deny Russia's involvement in the peace process but mentioned that Moscow “maintains contacts with all parties of the conflict.”
“And, of course, if our assistance is needed, Russia is ready to play its part,” he noted.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
