Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's confidant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer made a covert visit to Russia last week to secure a ceasefire with Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, said reports.
Dermer, who was in Moscow last week, has not officially confirmed the visit, according to Israeli Army Radio. The top diplomat is also scheduled to fly to the US to hold talks with the Biden administration to finalise a deal.
Russia is a key player in the region as it has a strong base in Syria, an ally of Iran. The weapons from Iran reach Hezbollah in Lebanon via Syria. Naturally, Russia's intervention is expected to keep Hezbollah from rearming.
Speculations are also rife that there is a significant breakthrough in the ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hezbollah. The current deal is said to highly favour Israel, reported Israel-based newspaper Israel Hayom. Though the progress is very substantial, the final agreement has not been reached yet.
Despite the pact, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will retain operational freedom in Lebanon to respond to any security threats. Israel would also end military operations only after it achieves a satisfactory settlement.
US special envoy Amos Hochstein is also likely to arrive in Lebanon, according to the Lebanese politicians. Israel also wants to ease pressure from the Biden administration during the transition period as President-elect Donald Trump takes charge in January.
However, many Knesset members are unhappy with Israel reaching a deal with Hezbollah with many stating that "Israel must force Hezbollah to beg for a ceasefire."
Israelis want an end to the war in the North?
Over 46 per cent of Jewish Israelis think the country should enter into a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, according to a survey. However, 45.8 per cent of people think the war against Hezbollah should continue. When it comes to Arab Israelis, 88 per cent think a diplomatic solution is the best.
The poll was conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute.
Over 56% of those polled said that Israel should adopt a more flexible stance to reach a deal with Hamas to release the 101 hostages. Only 36 per cent vetoed any deal with Hamas.
