Lebanon's Positive Response to US Ceasefire Proposal
Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced on Monday that Lebanon has submitted a written response to the US-backed ceasefire proposal aimed at halting hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The US confirmed its engagement in the negotiations, with envoy Amos Hochstein expected to arrive in Beirut imminently to discuss the proposal further. Mikati indicated that while Lebanon's response was largely positive, there are still some unclear points that require clarification through direct discussions with Hochstein.
Key Elements of the Proposal
The US-backed proposal seeks a 60-day cessation of hostilities and aims to establish a lasting ceasefire, aligning with UN Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Lebanon-Israel war. The proposal includes provisions for the withdrawal of Israeli ground forces from southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army as the sole armed force in the region, alongside UN peacekeepers. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to prevent the rearmament of unofficial armed groups in Lebanon and grants Lebanese security forces authority over arms supervision at the border.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism surrounding the proposal, challenges remain. An Israeli source expressed skepticism about the likelihood of a deal, particularly regarding Hezbollah's refusal to accept Israel's demand for operational freedom in southern Lebanon in case of a ceasefire violation. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reiterated that total operational freedom for the Israeli army is a non-negotiable condition. However, Mikati dismissed reports of such demands as speculation, stating that he has not seen any clause regarding operational freedom in the proposal. The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial in determining the future stability of the region.
