Signs of a potential diplomatic breakthrough have emerged in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, as both sides reportedly near an agreement to halt hostilities. According to officials from both nations and the United States, a ceasefire deal could be finalized and announced imminently.
However, heavy fighting continued, with Israel intensifying airstrikes on Hezbollah-controlled areas in Beirut and Hezbollah responding with rocket attacks, highlighting the fragile nature of the negotiations.
Israel’s cabinet is set to convene on Tuesday to discuss and potentially approve the proposed ceasefire agreement. A senior Israeli official disclosed that the meeting would focus on approving the text of the deal, which has been under negotiation for months.
While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has not commented publicly on the details, reports suggest that the agreement may include significant concessions and guarantees from both sides.
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Lebanese Deputy Parliament Speaker Elias Bou Saab expressed optimism, noting that most major obstacles had been resolved, paving the way for the implementation of the U.S.-brokered proposal. The deal reportedly includes the following key provisions:
- Israeli Military Withdrawal: Israel would withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon within 60 days of the agreement.
- Deployment of Lebanese Army: Regular Lebanese army troops would take over security in the southern border region, historically a stronghold of Hezbollah.
- Ceasefire Monitoring Committee: Compliance would be monitored by a five-country committee, chaired by the United States and including France, among others.
- Return of Displaced Civilians: Lebanese civilians displaced by the conflict would return to their homes in southern Lebanon under the agreement’s framework.
Despite the progress, several sticking points remain. One major issue has been the sequencing of Israel’s withdrawal, the deployment of Lebanese forces, and the resettlement of displaced civilians. Additionally, Israel’s insistence on retaining the ability to strike southern Lebanon under certain conditions has been met with resistance from Lebanon, which views this as a violation of sovereignty.
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Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon reiterated Israel’s position, emphasizing that any ceasefire agreement must allow for preemptive strikes if security threats persist in the region.
The United States has played a pivotal role in mediating the ceasefire talks, pushing for an end to hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah. The conflict has escalated over the past year, particularly over the last two months, as tensions between Hezbollah and Israel flared in parallel with Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza.
Washington has emphasized the importance of stability in the region, advocating for a resolution that ensures long-term security for both nations. The inclusion of international parties like France in the monitoring process aims to bolster trust and enforce compliance.
As Israel’s cabinet prepares to deliberate on the deal, the coming days will be critical in determining whether both sides can move from prolonged conflict to a sustained ceasefire. While optimism grows, the situation remains precarious, with active hostilities underscoring the challenges of implementing and maintaining such an agreement.
If approved, the ceasefire would mark a significant step towards peace in a region plagued by decades of conflict, though its success will depend on the commitment of both parties to uphold the terms and rebuild trust. The international community will be watching closely as these pivotal decisions unfold.