Israel launches rare airstrikes in Lebanon following violence at Jerusalem holy site
FOX NewsNov 27, 2022
The Facts
At the end of a two-day visit to Lebanon, senior White House adviser Amos Hochstein said that the US might help mediate the border dispute between Israel and Lebanon, building on the 2022 delineation of maritime borders between the two nations.
Hochstein helped broker last year's deal and has said that he visited border areas to "learn more" from the Lebanese. His next step will be to hear Israeli concerns to determine whether it's the "right time" to push for a land border resolution, adding that he's "optimistic."
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
By intervening in the Israel-Lebanon conflict, the US has effectively disregarded all of Israel's security interests in this dispute. Chasing after a PR-friendly agreement has led to the US protecting Lebanon and the terror groups that they harbor, exposing Israel to danger. The interests of Israel and the US are not aligned in this matter, with Israel now facing the threat of an emboldened Hezbollah alone.
Pro-establishment narrative
This agreement could finally settle one of the Middle East's longest-standing disputes, with the prospect of peace being something all sides should be excited about. After the breakthrough maritime agreement, the momentum could be carried over to a land border deal. The move could help Lebanon on the world stage, aid in Israel's security, and avert a new conflict. Both sides must seize this new opportunity.
