JERUSALEM/BEIRUT. A significant diplomatic breakthrough appears to be imminent as U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron are poised to announce a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, according to four senior Lebanese sources. The announcement could end months of escalating violence along the Israel-Lebanon border.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby confirmed progress, stating, “We’re close,” but cautioned, “nothing is done until everything is done.” Similarly, the French presidency noted substantial advancements in ceasefire discussions, raising hopes for a resolution.
In Jerusalem, a senior Israeli official revealed that Israel’s cabinet is scheduled to convene on Tuesday to approve the truce terms. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has declined to comment on reports suggesting that a final deal has been agreed upon.
Escalating Tensions Amid Ongoing Talks
As negotiations progress, Israel intensified its airstrikes on Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut, continuing an offensive that began in September following nearly a year of cross-border hostilities. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, emphasized that any agreement would allow Israel to retain the right to strike southern Lebanon if deemed necessary.
This stance has faced resistance from Lebanon, which has previously opposed granting Israel such provisions. Lebanese Deputy Parliament Speaker Elias Bou Saab shared optimism but highlighted the precarious nature of the talks, warning that “unless Netanyahu changes his mind,” the agreement could still face hurdles.
Key Terms of the Ceasefire Proposal
The U.S.-proposed agreement reportedly includes the following key provisions:
- An Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
- Deployment of regular Lebanese army troops to the border region, a stronghold of Hezbollah, within 60 days.
- A five-nation monitoring committee led by the United States and including France to oversee compliance.
Lebanese officials confirmed that a major sticking point over compliance monitoring was resolved in the past 24 hours, paving the way for the agreement’s implementation.
Broader Implications
The conflict in Lebanon has escalated significantly since October 2023, coinciding with Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza. The proposed ceasefire aims to halt the hostilities, which have caused widespread destruction and heightened regional tensions.
Despite progress, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted the challenges of finalizing the agreement, stating, “Oftentimes the very last stages of an agreement are the most difficult because the hardest issues are left to the end. We are pushing as hard as we can.”
If approved, the ceasefire could mark a turning point in stabilizing the region, offering a reprieve to both sides after months of intense conflict.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
