Israel is tearing up its old playbook for the northern border and writing a new one, based on leveraging military success into diplomatic breakthroughs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled this new script on Sunday, announcing that the war with Hezbollah has created a new plotline featuring direct peace talks with Syria and a potential resolution in Lebanon.
The old script with Syria was a tragedy of perpetual conflict, directed by the Assad regime. The fall of that regime has allowed for a complete rewrite, with the new government co-authoring a new story of negotiation and potential reconciliation. A Syrian official has stated they hope to have a final draft of a security agreement by year’s end.
In Lebanon, the old playbook cast Hezbollah as a permanent, armed antagonist. The new script, being written by Israel and the U.S., seeks to sideline this character and make the Lebanese state the hero of its own story. The Lebanese government has accepted this new role by beginning the process of disarming the militia.
Netanyahu explained the theme of this new drama. “The possibility of peace… was not even imagined before,” he said, highlighting the dramatic turn of events. He confirmed “some progress” in developing the new plot with Syria.
The first act of this new play is already underway. The negotiation of a demilitarized zone with Syria is a key scene. Lebanon’s plan to disarm Hezbollah is another major plot point. The audience is now waiting to see if this new script will have a peaceful ending.