Israel and Lebanon are close to finalizing a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, proposing a 60-day truce that includes troop withdrawal and increased Lebanese Army presence. Hostilities have intensified, with numerous projectiles fired into Israel. Key issues regarding monitoring and military operations remain contentious, with notable opposition within Israel to the ceasefire.
Israel and Lebanon are reportedly on the verge of finalizing a ceasefire agreement aimed at concluding hostilities with the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah. Israeli officials have indicated that a cabinet meeting is scheduled for Tuesday to deliberate the terms of a proposed 60-day truce. This arrangement is expected to lead to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the cessation of Hezbollah operations in the same region.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, there has been a marked escalation in hostilities. Just on Sunday, approximately 250 projectiles were launched from Lebanon into Israel, most of which were intercepted by Israeli defenses. In retaliatory measures, the Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes across various suspected Hezbollah locations in Beirut and surrounding areas. The successful implementation of the ceasefire would necessitate an increased presence of the Lebanese Army in the territories vacated by both Israeli and Hezbollah forces, as detailed by an unnamed Western diplomat.
Notably, Lebanese Deputy Parliament Speaker Elias Bou Saab remarked that there are “no serious obstacles” currently impeding the ceasefire. A five-country monitoring committee, which includes France and is chaired by the United States, has been established to oversee the truce. However, a critical point of contention had been Israel’s assertion of the right to re-enter Lebanon should Hezbollah resume operations south of the Litani River or threaten Israeli security, a condition not favored by Hezbollah or the Lebanese government.
Additionally, there is substantial internal opposition within Israel to a ceasefire, most notably from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who characterized the potential agreement as a “grave mistake.” He deemed this juncture a unique opportunity to deliver a decisive blow to Hezbollah militarily while they are perceived to be weakened.
Since the resumption of hostilities in late September 2023, Lebanese officials have noted that any ceasefire negotiations should adhere strictly to the terms set forth in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates the removal of Hezbollah’s arms from specified regions. As the situation remains critical, with considerable casualties and displacements reported among civilians in both Lebanon and northern Israel, the urgency for a resolution is increasingly apparent.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah reflects long-standing tensions in the region, dating back to previous military confrontations and the destabilization caused by the Syrian civil war. In recent months, especially since late September 2023, the intensity of confrontation has escalated dramatically, spurring numerous casualties and displacing thousands. The ceasefire negotiations have gained importance as a means to restore some form of stability and safety for residents in both Israel and Lebanon, where the humanitarian situation has severely deteriorated. The involvement of international players, especially the United States, underscores the broader geopolitical implications of a potential ceasefire in balancing power dynamics in the region and mitigating further escalation.
In summary, Israel and Lebanon are nearing a potential ceasefire with Hezbollah, amid escalating violence. The proposed 60-day truce includes a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops and reinforcement of the Lebanese Army in the affected areas. Significant hurdles remain, particularly regarding oversight of the ceasefire and internal dissent within the Israeli government concerning the agreement. As these discussions unfold, the humanitarian crisis stemming from the conflict necessitates urgent resolution.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
