Julien Barnes-Dacey, director of ECFR's MENA programme and expert on Middle Eastern politics, shares keen insights on the nuanced ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. He discusses the motivations behind this agreement, highlighting Hezbollah's significant losses and external pressures. The conversation navigates the complex geopolitical landscape involving the US and France, the implications for Lebanese politics, and the uncertain future of the Gaza conflict. Barnes-Dacey’s analysis sheds light on the delicate balance of power and the potential for renewed tensions.
The recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered after significant losses on both sides, signifies a strategic pause rather than a lasting resolution.
Concerns about the ceasefire's enforcement and the potential for future conflicts highlight the volatile dynamics of the Middle East region and power balances.
Deep dives
Ceasefire Agreement Details
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been agreed upon after intense negotiations, marking a significant moment after a long and deadly conflict. The terms stipulate that Hezbollah will retreat beyond the Latani River, while the deployment of Lebanese Army troops in southern Lebanon will be increased significantly. Moreover, Hezbollah must dismantle its military facilities and is prohibited from receiving new weapons. However, concerns persist over the enforcement of this ceasefire, especially in light of past violations and ongoing tensions within the region.
Reasons Behind the Ceasefire
The decision for a ceasefire is largely attributed to the heavy losses that both Hezbollah and Israel have suffered during the ongoing conflict. Israel achieved major tactical objectives, including the neutralization of a significant portion of Hezbollah’s missile capabilities, yet faced mounting pressure domestically and from the U.S. to halt the hostilities. On the other hand, Hezbollah, having endured devastating military strikes, appears to prefer regrouping and avoiding further escalation into a full-scale war. This mutual exhaustion created the conditions necessary to reach an agreement, marking a strategic pause rather than a definitive end to hostilities.
Implications for Future Conflicts
The ceasefire raises critical questions about its long-term viability and the potential for future conflicts in the region. Israel may adopt a more assertive posture, with the possibility of responding to any new attacks from Hezbollah based on compliance with the ceasefire terms. Conversely, Hezbollah may seek to rebuild its capabilities while managing internal pressures and regional alliances, particularly from Iran. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding both parties' intentions and external influences poses risks that this temporary ceasefire could quickly unravel.
After weeks of negotiations, US president Joe Biden announced that Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon. However, it remains unclear whether the development will really help end the Middle East conflict which started 14 months ago and became even deadlier following Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza in October.
This week, Mark Leonard welcomes Julien Barnes-Dacey, director of ECFR’s MENA programme and interim director of the Africa programme, to discuss the recent agreement. Why did Israel and Hezbollah agree to the ceasefire now? What are the terms? What makes this ceasefire different in terms of enforcement? What does a potential end to the conflict mean for Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon? And what are the chances of a ceasefire in Gaza?