Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recommended approving his Cabinet on Tuesday US mediated ceasefire The agreement with Hezbollah signals a possible reprieve after 14 months of conflict tied to the ongoing Gaza war. Despite growing optimism, intense clashes continued in Lebanon, increasing uncertainty over the immediate implementation of the agreement.
Armistice details and objectives
The proposed agreement outlines a two-month pause in hostilities that would require Hezbollah to withdraw troops north of Lebanon’s Litani River, while Israel would return its troops to the border. Thousands of Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers will monitor the enforcement, which will be monitored by a US-led international panel. However, disputes over enforcement mechanisms, particularly Israel’s insistence on responding to violations, pose challenges in finalizing the deal.
Netanyahu argued that the ceasefire would weaken Hezbollah’s influence, isolate Hamas in Gaza, and focus Israel’s attention on Iran. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement, we will attack with force,” he warned in a televised address.
increase in last hours
Hours before the cabinet meeting, Israel intensified airstrikes targeting areas of Hezbollah activity in Lebanon. Lebanese officials reported 23 deaths, including civilians, in attacks in Beirut, Tire and Baalbek. Israeli warnings prompted mass evacuations in southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut.
Hezbollah responded with rocket attacks in northern Israel, triggering airstrike warnings. The Israeli military said ground forces clashed with Hezbollah near the Litani River, and claimed to have destroyed key rocket launchers.
Regional and political implications
The ceasefire could ease tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, whose support of Hamas has fueled fears of wider regional conflict. However, critics, including Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, opposed the deal, calling it “a missed opportunity to eliminate Hezbollah.”
Although the proposal provides a path to end the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, its impact on the Gaza war remains uncertain. White House national security spokesman John Kirby cautioned, “Nothing gets done until everything gets done.”
If implemented, the deal is an important step toward regional stability, but important questions about its implementation and sustainability remain unanswered.