Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah “in principle,” following a security consultation with Israeli officials on Sunday night, according to sources familiar with the matter, CNN reported. The deal is still subject to negotiation, with Israel having reservations over some details, which are expected to be conveyed to the Lebanese government on Monday.
While talks have shown positive movement, the agreement remains tentative, with both sides continuing to negotiate the finer points. According to CNN’s report, multiple sources stressed that the deal would not be finalised until all issues are resolved. Furthermore, any ceasefire agreement will need approval from the Israeli cabinet, a step that has yet to take place.
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United States Envoy Said Ceasefire Deal Between Israel, Lebanon ‘Within Our Grasp’
The ongoing discussions come after United States envoy Amos Hochstein visited Beirut last week, where he stated that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon was “within our grasp,” but ultimately, the decision rests with the parties involved. Hochstein held meetings with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and parliament speaker Nabih Berri, Hezbollah’s key interlocutor in the talks. He described the discussions as “constructive” and expressed optimism about narrowing the gaps between the two sides.
“We have a real opportunity to bring conflict to an end,” Hochstein remarked last week. “The window is now.” He later departed Lebanon for Israel, aiming to finalise the negotiations.
The US-backed proposal for the ceasefire seeks a 60-day cessation of hostilities, which some believe could serve as the foundation for a more lasting peace. However, according to CNN analyst Barak Ravid, Hochstein warned that if Israel did not respond positively in the coming days, he would withdraw from the mediation efforts.
The latest developments follow a positive response from Beirut to the US-backed proposal to halt the war, with Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati noting last week that large parts of the draft agreement had been resolved.
Israel’s military actions in Lebanon began in mid-September, following months of border skirmishes, which escalated after Hezbollah attacked Israeli-controlled territory on October 8 last year in support of Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza. Israel’s subsequent military offensive has included a ground invasion, the killing of several Hezbollah leaders, including co-founder Hassan Nasrallah, and numerous casualties from attacks, including those involving exploding pagers.
