|
Trending Topics
|
Source: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/anastasia-mechans-musings/article-893036
Why Is Lebanon Seeking Direct Talks with Israel?
(Jerusalem Post) Dr. Edy Cohen - In recent weeks, Lebanon's government has repeatedly called for direct talks with Israel. The talks in Washington on Tuesday marked the first direct negotiations between the two countries since the 1980s. Why is Lebanon, which until recently boycotted Israel and labeled it an enemy, now actively seeking direct talks? The answer is that, beyond the Shi'ite community, much of Lebanon's political establishment and broader public do not view Hizbullah as a priority worth defending. In fact, weakening Hizbullah aligns with the interests of both the Lebanese state and much of its population. The Lebanese leadership view direct negotiations as a way to separate the Lebanese state from Hizbullah, which has strongly opposed the talks.