Israel’s government plans to vote on a proposed ceasefire agreement for Lebanon on Tuesday. This agreement has reportedly been approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Israeli news sources, the agreement aims to reduce the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has become more intense since October.
The draft agreement states that Israeli troops would leave Lebanese territory and stop military actions for an initial 60 days. A committee led by the United States will monitor the ceasefire.
In return, Hezbollah will move its forces away from areas south of the Litani River, allowing the Lebanese Army to take control of those territories.
Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Mike Herzog, is hopeful about the ongoing talks. In an interview with Israeli Army Radio, Herzog mentioned that although some issues still need to be worked out, both sides are “near to completing” an agreement that could bring an end to the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah for the first time since Israel started its ground operation in Lebanon in early October.
On the other hand, Hezbollah has not yet made any official comments about the ceasefire discussions. However, Osama Hamdan, a high-ranking member of Hamas in Lebanon, expressed support for the deal. Speaking to Lebanese news channel Al-Mayadeen, Hamdan said, “Any news of a ceasefire is good. Hezbollah has been with our people and has made great sacrifices.”
Despite ongoing negotiations, airstrikes and violence have continued. On Monday, Israeli attacks reportedly caused the deaths of at least 31 people in Lebanon. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, 26 people died in southern Lebanon, four in the Baalbek-Hermel area, and one in the Choueifat district in the southern part of Beirut.
