Netanyahu approves Lebanon ceasefire deal ‘in principle’: Report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah “in principle,” according to a source familiar with the matter, as reported by CNN. The approval was given during a security consultation with Israeli officials on Sunday night. The Israeli security cabinet is expected to meet tomorrow to discuss the deal further and provide formal approval.

Despite the progress, Israel still has reservations about certain aspects of the agreement. These concerns are expected to be communicated to the Lebanese government after the meeting tomorrow. Negotiations over the finer details are ongoing, and as per the report, the deal will not be finalised until all issues have been addressed.

The ceasefire deal will need to be approved by the Israeli cabinet before it can take effect. The CNN report stated that sources close to the negotiations suggest the talks are progressing positively, though they also warned that one misstep amid the ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah could derail the entire agreement.

US envoy Amos Hochstein, who has been involved in the mediation process, stated in Beirut last week that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon was “within our grasp.” However, he emphasised that the final decision lies with the parties involved.

During his visit, Hochstein held talks with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Hezbollah’s primary interlocutor in the negotiations. Hochstein described the discussions as “constructive” and “very good,” noting that significant progress had been made in narrowing the gaps between the parties.

“We have a real opportunity to bring the conflict to an end,” Hochstein said, adding, “The window is now.” He departed Lebanon for Israel on Wednesday, with hopes of finalising the deal.

The US-backed proposal seeks a 60-day cessation of hostilities, with the hope that this temporary ceasefire could eventually pave the way for a more lasting peace. However, an Axios report on Sunday, citing Barak Ravid, revealed that Hochstein had informed the Israeli ambassador to Washington that if Israel did not respond positively in the coming days, he would withdraw from the mediation efforts.

Hochstein’s trip followed a positive response from Beirut to the US-backed proposal, with Mikati confirming last week that much of the draft agreement had already been resolved.

The military conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began in mid-September, following a series of border skirmishes. These clashes escalated after Hezbollah attacked Israeli-controlled territory in solidarity with Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza on 8 October last year.

Since then, Israel has launched a large-scale military offensive, which has included a ground invasion, the elimination of several high-ranking Hezbollah leaders, and the use of explosive devices, resulting in numerous casualties.

ALSO READ: Iran’s Khamenei calls for death sentences for Netanyahu, Israeli officials over Gaza conflict