Anything less is a recipe for ongoing war.

By Hezy Laing

Israel and Lebanon are currently engaged in American managed negotiations for a permanent ceasefire. Experience shows that most agreements reached with Lebanon have not been worth the paper they are written on. But assuming a stable agreement can be reached, Israel must remain firm on three basic requirements.

1. A Hezbollah‑Free Buffer Zone up to the Litani River
Any ceasefire must include the removal of Hezbollah fighters and weapons from the area between the Israeli border and the Litani River. This zone was already mandated under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which required Hezbollah to stay north of the Litani after the 2006 war. A Ynet analysis recently noted that Hezbollah’s return to the border area enabled the construction of observation posts, anti‑tank positions, and launch sites that directly threaten Israeli communities. Without a meaningful buffer, tens of thousands of northern residents cannot safely return home, and the ceasefire would simply freeze the conflict in a way that leaves Israel vulnerable to renewed attacks.

2. Full Israeli Freedom of Action, Including North of the Litani
Operational freedom to strike threats anywhere in Lebanon, if necessary, must be maintained. Hezbollah’s military infrastructure is dispersed throughout Lebanon, including deep inside the country, and limiting Israeli action to the border area would allow Hezbollah to rebuild or reposition forces without consequence. This demand reflects lessons from previous ceasefires, where restrictions on Israeli operations were followed by rapid Hezbollah rearmament. Deterrence depends on the ability to respond to violations or emerging threats, and that a ceasefire which restricts Israeli movement could unintentionally encourage Hezbollah to test boundaries.

3. A Long‑Term, U.S.-Supervised Process to Disarm Hezbollah
A structured, internationally backed mechanism — led or supervised by the United States — aimed at gradually reducing Hezbollah’s military capabilities. Hezbollah’s arsenal has grown significantly over the years, and without a sustained diplomatic and enforcement framework, any ceasefire would be temporary. Israel views U.S. involvement as essential because Washington has leverage in Lebanon and influence over international monitoring bodies. Only a long‑term process with external oversight can prevent Hezbollah from replenishing its weapons and reestablishing positions near the border.