President Joe Biden’s administration entered the U.N. General Assembly with aspirations to solidify his reputation as an international statesman amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine. However, after five days of intense negotiations primarily focused on averting a potential full-scale conflict in the Israel-Hezbollah crisis, progress towards peace appears elusive. Efforts by the U.S., France, and other allies to propose a temporary ceasefire along the Lebanon border yielded little success, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defiantly vowed to continue operations against Hezbollah until displaced Israeli citizens can return home.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s resolute stance was emphasized by Israel launching a significant strike on Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut while he was addressing the General Assembly. Following his speech, Netanyahu abruptly concluded his visit to New York without scheduling meetings with top U.S. officials. This turn of events highlighted the perceived diminishing American influence, especially in the aftermath of Israel’s conflict with Hamas, an Iranian-backed militant group that unfolded nearly a year ago.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism that securing a ceasefire in the north could potentially pave the way for progress in resolving the Gaza conflict. The week began with Biden’s national security team rallying support for a 21-day Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, aiming to revitalize efforts for a Gaza truce.
However, friction arose between the United States and France over timing, with France convening an emergency U.N. Security Council session on Lebanon while Biden hosted a reception for world leaders in New York. The proposal was eventually unveiled amidst differing views within the Biden administration, with some cautioning against over-optimism.
Despite expectations that Israel would at least endorse the plan, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s initial reception of the proposal seemed lukewarm during his New York visit, where he criticized international pressures on Israel’s northern border. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s determination to diminish Hezbollah until all objectives are achieved, signaling a refusal to be compelled into an unfavorable situation by global forces. The recent developments underscore the complexities and challenges faced in achieving peace and stability in the region.
