Nicosia: The Cyprus Center for European and International Affairs at the University of Nicosia is organizing a lecture and discussion titled "Lebanon and Israel: Prospects for Peace," featuring Ambassador Frederic Hof. The event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 18:00 to 19:30 in Room M114 of the Millennium Building at the University of Nicosia. Euripides Evriviades, Ambassador (Ad Honorem) and Senior Fellow of the Cyprus Center, will chair the event, with comments provided by Professor Andreas Theophanous, President of the Cyprus Center for European and International Affairs.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Ambassador Frederic Hof, who has extensive experience as an Army officer, diplomat, and mediator, will summarize insights from a Track II (unofficial) diplomatic project he has been conducting with a Canadian colleague. This project involves shuttling between Lebanon and Israel to explore the possibility of peace after decades of conflict. The lecture will address ongoing issues such as Israeli air strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and the occupation of parts of southern Lebanon by the Israel Defense Forces.
The historical context includes a ceasefire announced in November 2024, aimed at ending the armed confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah, a Lebanese proxy of Iran. Despite this, challenges remain as the Lebanese Armed Forces strive to establish security in southern Lebanon, and the Government of Lebanon continues efforts to disarm and demobilize Hezbollah.
The discussion will delve into whether peace is possible between the two nations and what measures could be taken to end over five decades of violence, ultimately leading to normalization between Israel and Lebanon. Ambassador Hof brings a wealth of experience as a former military attach© in Lebanon and a mediator between Syria and Israel, as well as being an author on Middle Eastern diplomatic efforts.
Attendees are invited to RSVP by January 21, 2026, via phone or email. The discussion promises to provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics and potential pathways toward peace in the region.