JERUSALEM/BEIRUT. A ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel is reportedly on the verge of being announced by U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, according to four senior Lebanese sources. The truce comes after months of escalating violence along the Israel-Lebanon border, fueled by nearly a year of cross-border hostilities.
In Washington, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby acknowledged the progress, stating, “We’re close,” but cautioned that, “nothing is done until everything is done.” Similarly, the French presidency reported significant advancements in ceasefire discussions.
An Israeli official confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet is set to meet on Tuesday to finalize the deal. While Netanyahu’s office declined to comment directly, sources indicated the cabinet would discuss the proposed text of the truce.
However, tensions remain high, with heavy Israeli airstrikes targeting Beirut’s Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs as part of Israel’s offensive launched in September.
Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, emphasized that Israel intends to maintain its ability to strike southern Lebanon under the agreement. Lebanon, meanwhile, has raised objections to provisions that would permit such actions.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted the complexity of the negotiations, saying, “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.”
The proposed ceasefire aims to resolve fighting that escalated in October 2023, occurring alongside Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza.
Implementation Details
Lebanon’s Deputy Parliament Speaker Elias Bou Saab expressed optimism, stating that there were “no serious obstacles” remaining unless Netanyahu reversed his position. According to Saab, the U.S.-backed proposal involves an Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the deployment of Lebanese army troops in the area, a Hezbollah stronghold, within 60 days.
A critical sticking point over monitoring the ceasefire was resolved with an agreement to establish a five-nation committee, including France, chaired by the United States.
As the region watches closely, the potential announcement marks a significant step toward de-escalating one of the most volatile conflicts in the Middle East.\
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.
