Netanyahu Faces Nightmare of Defeat: “We Will Not Bow Despite Severe Blows” / The Resistance Shifts Painful Strikes from Division 36 to Division 98 in Khiyam Plains Battles
Burns Archives Past Initiatives in Doha to Develop a New Proposal During Added Time
October 29, 2024
The political editor wrote
Uncertainty shrouds the anticipated visit of U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein to Beirut, clouded by the unpropitious climate created by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposals. Hochstein has realised that revisiting Beirut would be futile, as Lebanon firmly rejects any amendment to Resolution 1701 – an unalterable stance, especially given the bolstered military position of the resistance in the south today, compared to last week. How, then, could Lebanon now accept what it previously dismissed? Furthermore, the brutal and destructive bombardment of Tyre has cast a shadow over the visit, delivering a clear message to Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. Berri understands the signal, discerning the intent of the occupying entity, and sees no point in exchanging pleasantries when the real message has been delivered.
Nevertheless, sources close to the matter suggest that Hochstein may still arrive in Beirut to present the outcomes of his discussions with the occupying government. Speaker Berri has often expressed a positive view of Hochstein’s mission, affirming their mutual commitment to Resolution 1701 without modification and emphasising a priority on achieving a ceasefire. Hochstein is not responsible for the occupying government’s actions or Netanyahu’s statements.
The momentum behind Hochstein’s mission has diminished further with reports in Israeli media about requests for security privileges at Lebanon’s expense – land, sea, and air – essentially undermining the authority of Resolution 1701. Adding to this, information from Doha indicates limited prospects for progress in Gaza negotiations. CIA Director William Burns is archiving previous initiatives and attempting to extract points for a new proposal, which appears to be a stalling effort until the U.S. presidential election on Tuesday, November 5. Meanwhile, Netanyahu fills the wasted time with bluster and fiery speeches for his extremist base, unable to conceal his growing nightmare of defeat amidst mounting losses, particularly on the southern Lebanon front. His rhetoric, “We will not be defeated; we have taken severe blows; if we fall, the world will fall with us, but we will not bow”, reflects his struggle to mask failure, including in targeting Iran.
On the ground, the resistance has continued its heroic achievements along the border, proving the occupation’s failure to secure control over any frontline villages. Occupation forces are unable to advance to any level of control, with every incursion met by relentless resistance fire, inflicting painful casualties on occupying forces. The most recent battles unfolded last night in Khiyam Plains, lasting past midnight, where Division 98 – composed of paratrooper and commando brigades – lost multiple vehicles and suffered numerous officer and soldier casualties. This follows last week’s devastating blow to Division 36, which includes the renowned Golani Brigade.
