Israel signals approval of Lebanon ceasefire agreement
Photo: Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Lebanon (Getty Images)
Israel has tentatively agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon and approved the main principles of a joint proposal with the US, according to Haaretz and Ynet.
The proposal includes three stages:
- A ceasefire, after which Hezbollah will move its forces north of the Litani River.
- The withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon.
- Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon on the demarcation of disputed border areas.
A US-headed organization will lead international oversight of the ceasefire.
Israel is awaiting a letter from Washington confirming its right to take military action if Hezbollah violates the ceasefire terms, even in the absence of action from Lebanese military or international forces.
Meanwhile, US mediator Amos Hochstein has warned both parties that his mission could be halted if they do not reach an agreement soon.
US-Israel peace agreement proposal
On November 14, the US Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, presented the Lebanese government with a draft ceasefire agreement developed by Israel and the US.
The agreement includes a 60-day cessation of hostilities and a lasting ceasefire. Hezbollah is required to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon. The Lebanese army and UN peacekeeping forces will become the sole armed groups south of the Litani River.
At the same time, the Israel Defense Forces, which have been operating in southern Israel since September, will withdraw to the border between the two countries.
US President-elect Donald Trump has expressed support for this proposal.
On November 19, Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah representatives backed the ceasefire agreement.
Additionally, on November 24, Hezbollah militants launched a large-scale rocket attack on Tel Aviv, damaging infrastructure and causing injuries.
The strike was a response to a powerful Israeli airstrike on Beirut and Lebanon the day before.
