Hezbollah Engages with US Ceasefire Proposal Amid Ongoing Conflict
Hezbollah has officially submitted its comments on the US draft proposal for a ceasefire to Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, as US envoy Amos Hochstein prepares to arrive in Beirut for discussions aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Lebanon. According to Lebanese government sources, Hezbollah is engaging openly with the American draft, indicating a willingness to negotiate terms for a ceasefire.
The Lebanese government is reportedly receptive to the contents of the US proposal, which aims to establish an implementation plan for a ceasefire based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the deployment of the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese source emphasized that discussions regarding the draft will take place with Hochstein upon his arrival.
Hochstein's visit to Beirut is part of broader efforts to facilitate a ceasefire agreement, with expectations of significant progress in negotiations. Following his meetings in Lebanon, Hochstein is scheduled to visit Israel, where political sources suggest that Tel Aviv anticipates advancements in the ceasefire talks.
Proposed Terms of the Ceasefire Agreement
Details of the proposed settlement agreement between Lebanon and Israel have emerged, highlighting key stipulations. The proposal includes the deployment of 5,000 Lebanese soldiers in southern regions, a commitment from Israel to refrain from attacking Lebanon, and the re-demarcation of land borders between the two nations. Furthermore, the agreement emphasizes adherence to Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates the Lebanese army as the sole armed force in southern Lebanon, alongside UNIFIL forces.
The proposal also seeks to prevent the rearmament of unofficial armed groups in Lebanon, placing the responsibility for arms sales and production under the supervision of the Lebanese government. Additionally, it grants Lebanese security forces authority to oversee the entry of weapons across the border and dismantle any unauthorized armed infrastructure.
Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon is proposed to occur within seven days, with the Lebanese army taking over under international supervision. Armed groups south of the Litani River would be disarmed within 60 days of signing the agreement. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with official Lebanese data reporting over 3,400 fatalities and approximately 1.4 million displaced persons since the escalation of hostilities in September.
