Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire/ Netanyahu supports truce/ Lebanon conflict resolution/ UN peacekeepers/ U.S.-brokered deal/ BEIRUT/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Mornin Edition/ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his support for a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, signaling a potential end to over 14 months of conflict. The proposed agreement includes a two-month truce, Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and the deployment of Lebanese forces and UN peacekeepers. Despite ongoing bombardment in Beirut, the Israeli Cabinet is expected to vote on the agreement Tuesday. Hezbollah has also indicated its approval of the deal, raising hopes for reduced regional tensions.
Netanyahu Endorses Ceasefire Proposal with Hezbollah: Beirut Faces Renewed Bombardment
Quick Looks
- Ceasefire Deal Details: Calls for a two-month halt in fighting, UN monitoring, and troop withdrawals.
- Netanyahu’s Approval: Israeli PM Netanyahu backs the U.S.-brokered deal ahead of Cabinet vote.
- Continued Violence: Israeli airstrikes target Beirut and southern Lebanon, killing 23 people.
- Hezbollah’s Position: Lebanese officials confirm Hezbollah’s tentative agreement to the truce.
Israel’s Netanyahu Backs U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire with Hezbollah
Deep Look
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced his support for a U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, marking a potential turning point in the prolonged and devastating conflict. Despite the optimism surrounding the proposal, Israeli warplanes carried out a series of strikes across Lebanon on Tuesday, killing at least 23 people and causing widespread panic in Beirut and surrounding areas.
Ceasefire Proposal Details
The proposed deal, if approved by both sides, would initiate a two-month truce requiring Hezbollah to withdraw its armed forces from a wide swath of southern Lebanon. Israeli troops, who recently advanced to areas near the Litani River, would return to their side of the border. Key components of the agreement include:
- Deployment of Lebanese military and UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.
- Oversight by an international panel led by the United States, with French participation.
- Provisions for addressing violations, though Israel insists on retaining the right to respond to Hezbollah breaches.
Lebanese officials have confirmed Hezbollah’s support for the agreement. The Israeli Cabinet is expected to vote on the deal later Tuesday, with Netanyahu urging its adoption.
Netanyahu’s Statement
In a televised address, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of the ceasefire for Israel’s security while acknowledging lingering challenges.
“This agreement represents a significant step toward restoring calm to our northern border. It ensures Israel’s right to defend itself while reducing Hezbollah’s capacity to threaten our citizens,” Netanyahu said.
Continued Bombardment
Despite the progress on the diplomatic front, violence persisted. Israeli airstrikes hit multiple targets in Beirut, including a residential building in the Basta district, killing seven people and injuring 37.
Other notable strikes included:
- An attack on Beirut’s southern suburbs near the city’s airport.
- Strikes on the Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon.
- Clashes between Israeli ground troops and Hezbollah fighters near the Litani River.
The Israeli military also issued evacuation warnings for several areas, exacerbating fears of intensified attacks before the ceasefire takes effect.
International Reactions
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, expressed cautious optimism about the ceasefire, urging all parties to commit to its implementation.
“This agreement addresses Israel’s security concerns while providing a pathway to de-escalation,” Borrell said during a G7 meeting in Italy.
Implications for the Region
While the ceasefire would mark a significant de-escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, its impact on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza remains unclear. Hezbollah had initially tied its actions in southern Lebanon to events in Gaza but later softened its stance.
Casualties and Displacement
The 14-month conflict has exacted a heavy toll:
- Lebanon: Over 3,760 people killed, with 1.2 million displaced.
- Israel: At least 125 deaths, including 75 civilians, and widespread evacuations in the north.
Challenges to Implementation
While the ceasefire represents a critical step forward, hurdles remain:
- Israel demands strict enforcement mechanisms, warning it will act unilaterally if violations occur.
- Hezbollah’s commitment to withdrawing its forces and the role of UN peacekeepers in maintaining peace are points of contention.
Looking Ahead
As the Israeli Cabinet prepares to vote, Netanyahu faces opposition from hard-line members, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has criticized the deal as a missed opportunity to eliminate Hezbollah entirely.
If approved, the ceasefire would mark a significant step toward stability in the region, though its success will depend on the cooperation of all parties involved.
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