When intelligence chiefs of the United States, Israel and Egypt went to Qatar on Wednesday for talks aimed at brokering a cease-fire in Gaza, there was more on the line than Israel’s war against Hamas.
Hezbollah and Hamas are both allied with Iran in what they call “the axis of resistance,” a coalition that opposes Israel’s right to exist.
Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon, who are backed by Iran, have traded fire since the war in Gaza began after Hamas led an attack on Israel on Oct. 7.
Israeli government officials and military leaders have in recent weeks toured northern Israel and met with troops stationed there who were preparing for a potential escalation.
Whether efforts at de-escalating the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah can succeed may well depend on how the cease-fire talks in Qatar progress.
Persons:
Hassan Nasrallah, ”, Mr, Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s, Abbas Salman, Yasser Nemr Qranbish, Bilal Hussein, —, heightening, — Noa, Nir Baranes, Yoav Gallant, Lloyd J, Austin III, Israel ”, Meir Elran, al, Ansari
Organizations:
Hamas, Hezbollah, ., Associated, Ortal, Lebanese, U.S ., Tel Aviv University’s Institute for National Security Studies, Brig, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry
Locations:
United States, Israel, Egypt, Qatar, Gaza, Lebanon, Hezbollah, Iran, Syria, Beirut, Golan, Washington, Tel Aviv, France