Israel and Hezbollah are ‘very close’ to a ceasefire in the coming days, according to CNN. The American channel specifies, however, that if the agreement is closer than ever, it is not yet fully formed. “We are moving in this direction, but there are still issues to be resolved,” said a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In recent days, Hezbollah has studied a US-Israeli truce proposal of 60 days which should constitute the basis of a lasting ceasefire.
According to Axios, this draft ceasefire agreement provides for a 60-day transition period during which the Israeli army would withdraw from South Lebanon, while the Lebanese army would deploy to areas near the border and Hezbollah would move north of the Litani River. The agreement also provides for the creation of a monitoring committee led by the United States, responsible for monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire and combating violations.
The United States also agreed to provide Israel with a letter of assurance that includes support for Israeli military action against imminent threats from Lebanese territory.such as the reestablishment of a Hezbollah military presence near the border or arms smuggling. According to the agreement, Israel would take such measures after consulting Washington and in the event that the Lebanese army fails to confront the threat.
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah began after the Lebanese militia backed by the Islamic Republic of Iran launched missiles into Israeli territory on October 8, 2023 to support Hamas in Gaza. After a year of fighting, both sides significantly intensified their attacks after Israel launched a ground invasion of Lebanon last October.
From, Israel eliminated several Hezbollah leaders – including one of its founders, Hassan Nasrallah – as well as the group’s military and political leadership. Similarly, an attack using bus bombs and walkie-talkies left hundreds of Hezbollah members injured.
The war between Israel and Hezbollah has forced thousands to flee their homes in northern Israel and southern Lebanon. According to figures from the Lebanese Ministry of Health, more than 3,500 Lebanese have been killed and more than 15,000 injured in more than a year of fighting. Across the border, an estimated 140 Israeli soldiers and civilians were killed.
