Tel Aviv: Even though indirect peace talks between Israel and Hamas are set to resume on Sunday at the behest of the United States, Qatar and Egypt, there is speculation that Hezbollah could launch an attack.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expects a Hezbollah attack in its northern regions if the talks fail for any reason. Both the Israeli delegation and the Hamas delegation are in Cairo to attend the talks.
Arab media reported that the likelihood of a positive outcome to the talks was low and the risk of failure was very high. It should be recalled that Hezbollah army commander Fuad Shukr was killed in an Israeli attack in Beirut on July 30. Israel has publicly announced that its army killed Hezbollah’s military commander.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasarullah had previously stated that Hezbollah wanted to avenge the death of Fuad Shukr, who was the Hezbollah leader’s closest ally.
Hebrew media reported that Israeli intelligence is expecting a possible Hezbollah attack in northern Israel if the talks in Cairo fail. Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has ordered the armed forces to prepare for any Hezbollah attack.
IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a statement late Saturday night: “IDF forces continue to operate resolutely and with all force against the terrorist organization Hezbollah. In recent days, we have attacked about 70 terror targets, including numerous weapons depots aimed at Israel, and eliminated over 20 terrorists, including high-ranking activists. We have damaged Hezbollah’s missile infrastructure.”
He continued: “It is important for you to know that we have an important week ahead of us, with ongoing negotiations in Cairo, fighting in Gaza and border conflicts in the north. Our offensive and defensive readiness is very high and we will continue to work to deter threats and fight our enemies. The public must remain vigilant, as you have done so far. We will update you promptly on any developments.”
The director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), William Burns, and the White House Middle East adviser, Brett McGurk, are in Cairo for the mediation talks. Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and the Egyptian intelligence chief, Major General Abbas Kamel, are also involved in the indirect talks.
The Israeli delegation in Cairo consists of Mossad chief David Barnea, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and Major General Eliezer Toledan.
The Hamas delegation in Cairo is led by its senior representative Khalil al-Hayya. Arab media outlets in Cairo report that the Hamas leadership will communicate with the Qatari prime minister and the Egyptian intelligence chief and will not participate in direct talks.
–IANS
