Increasing hopes for a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon

BEIRUT / TEL AVIV — Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in the displacement of many Lebanese from their homes, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority released a draft proposal for a ceasefire agreement.

The leaked document outlines a ceasefire plan, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, with the Lebanese Army taking on the responsibility for enforcing security in southern Lebanon. The proposal emphasizes international and US support for strengthening the Lebanese Army, while granting Israel the right to take defensive action against potential threats, in coordination with Washington. According to the terms, Israel would begin withdrawing its forces from Lebanon within seven days of the ceasefire, with Lebanese troops moving in to replace them.

Sources reveal that during his recent visit to Lebanon, US Middle East advisor and special envoy Amos Hochstein proposed a 60-day truce. This would allow the Lebanese Army to take control south of the Litani River following an Israeli withdrawal from newly occupied areas.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed that officials Amos Hochstein and Brett McGurk are en route to Israel to explore a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon and discuss ways to end the conflict in Gaza. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed optimism, stating he asked Hochstein to consider reaching an agreement by 5 November, in hopes that a truce would be declared soon to halt further hostilities.