Hochstein Dismisses Buffer Zone 'Fantasy' in Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Deal

US Special Envoy Amos Hochstein, the architect of the recent Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, has firmly rejected the idea that Israel could have negotiated a better deal involving a buffer zone in southern Lebanon. This criticism was voiced by former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who warned that the absence of a buffer zone would allow Hezbollah to rebuild homes and military infrastructure along the border, potentially using them for future attacks on Israel’s northern front.

During interviews after the ceasefire took effect, Hochstein called the idea of a security zone "fantasy," stating that such a zone would effectively require Israel to occupy Lebanese territory, something that no sovereign country, including Israel, would accept. "If you choose to have a dead zone or a demilitarized zone, then you are there as an occupier," Hochstein explained.

The ceasefire deal, brokered by the US, has led to a commitment from Hezbollah to stop its rocket fire into Israel while empowering the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to prevent the group from rebuilding its infrastructure. Despite skepticism over the LAF’s ability to stand up to Hezbollah, the US has pledged additional support for the Lebanese military, including financial aid, equipment, and training.

Hochstein emphasized that the new ceasefire agreement improves enforcement mechanisms by including the US and France in a tripartite committee, alongside Israel, Lebanon, and UN peacekeepers. This will enable a more effective real-time response to any violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament.

Additionally, the agreement mandates the LAF’s gradual deployment across southern Lebanon to replace Israeli troops, ensuring Hezbollah cannot fill the vacuum as it did after the 2006 Second Lebanon War. The international community is also set to assist in rebuilding southern Lebanon, a departure from the post-2006 period when Hezbollah was the primary force involved in reconstruction efforts.

Ceasefire a Strategic Shift in Israel-Hezbollah Relations

Hochstein acknowledged that Israel had achieved significant military success against Hezbollah in recent months, which contributed to Hezbollah’s willingness to negotiate a ceasefire. The heightened Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and the killing of key Hezbollah leaders have weakened the group’s military position. Yet, Hochstein argued that it was time for a political solution, as Israel’s goal was never to fully dismantle Hezbollah but to stabilize the northern front and allow displaced residents to return home.

While some critics claim that the US pressured Israel into the ceasefire, Hochstein denied such accusations, maintaining that Israel’s agreement to the deal was a voluntary decision made in the context of Israel’s long-term security interests.