Israel and Hezbollah Edge Toward Ceasefire Agreement in Lebanon
Israel and Lebanon appear to be nearing a pivotal ceasefire agreement to end hostilities between the Israeli military and Hezbollah, the Iranian-supported Lebanese militia. Officials from Israel and the United States confirmed progress, with Israel’s cabinet set to deliberate on the proposal on Tuesday.
The proposed 60-day truce outlines key conditions, including the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and the removal of Hezbollah’s presence from the region. US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby expressed optimism about the agreement, stating, “We believe we’re close,” but cautioned that some details remain unresolved.
The Ceasefire’s Framework
The deal, facilitated by the US and France, includes plans to bolster the Lebanese army’s presence in areas vacated by Israeli forces and Hezbollah. A five-nation monitoring committee, chaired by the US and including France, has been established to oversee the agreement’s implementation, addressing a major sticking point in negotiations.
Despite these advances, Israel has insisted on retaining the right to re-enter southern Lebanon should Hezbollah regroup or prepare for future attacks—a demand that both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government initially opposed. US envoy Amos Hochstein reportedly emphasized that time was running out for finalizing the deal.
Intensified Fighting Amid Negotiations
Hostilities have escalated in recent days as both sides engage in intensified exchanges of fire. On Sunday, Hezbollah launched approximately 250 projectiles into Israel, most of which were intercepted. Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force has conducted airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions and weapon depots, including sites in Beirut.
The violence has claimed thousands of lives and displaced over a million people in Lebanon since the conflict began in October 2023. Lebanese authorities report more than 3,750 fatalities and over 15,600 injuries.
Domestic and Regional Challenges
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has tentatively agreed to the ceasefire “in principle.” However, the deal faces opposition from within Israel’s political establishment. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticized the ceasefire proposal, arguing that Israel should capitalize on Hezbollah’s weakened position to deliver a decisive blow.
Lebanese officials, including Deputy Parliament Speaker Elias Bou Saab, expressed confidence in the ceasefire’s progress, stating there are “no serious obstacles” left to resolve. They maintain, however, that the agreement must align with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which demands the disarmament of Hezbollah in areas near the Israeli border—a point Israel argues has been consistently violated.
Continuing Violence
Despite ongoing negotiations, violence rages on. On Monday, Israeli airstrikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs reportedly killed over 31 people, while Hezbollah’s rocket attacks injured civilians and damaged infrastructure in northern and central Israel.
The conflict, which initially erupted in October after Hezbollah launched rockets in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, has displaced tens of thousands of Israeli residents near the Lebanese border.
As efforts to finalize the ceasefire continue, the region teeters between hope for peace and the persistent specter of war.
