“Lebanon Debate”

Attention is focused on the recent meeting between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as observers weigh the potential impact on the future of the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon and whether Biden will persuade Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire.

In this context, Walid al-Kilani, a Hamas media official in Lebanon, told Lebanon Debate that there is evident American interest in achieving a ceasefire. If President Biden can convince Netanyahu, a truce might be imminent. However, if Netanyahu remains resolute, the situation is unlikely to change.

Kilani highlights a significant dilemma for the Americans: their priority is to secure the release of prisoners, including American detainees. The United States is not accustomed to having its prisoners held for extended periods without resolution, as seen in past cases involving Iran and North Korea. The inability to free these prisoners, despite knowing their whereabouts, presents a serious issue for the US.

Kilani also points out the growing movement in the American public, particularly following Netanyahu's visit, which saw unprecedented demonstrations both inside Congress and on the streets. This reflects the upcoming presidential elections and suggests a shift away from uncritical support for Israel.

The spectacle surrounding Netanyahu's speech in Congress has not fooled many Americans, who are aware of the inaccuracies in his claims, particularly his assertion that Israel did not target civilians, despite evidence of over 20,000 civilian casualties, including women and children.

Kilani criticizes Netanyahu’s call for Palestinian generations to forget their hostility towards Israel, arguing that the very generations involved in the Al-Aqsa flood and those resisting Israeli aggression in Gaza will become even more antagonistic due to the ongoing violence.

While a partial agreement on a prisoner exchange is expected following Netanyahu's visit, Kilani remains skeptical of the enemy’s intentions. He fears that any release of prisoners may lead to renewed aggression, as Israel has a history of violating agreements, evidenced by Netanyahu's attacks on the International Court. This history suggests a lack of respect for international norms.

!الأميركي محرج... هدنة قريبة ولكن