Israel and Hezbollah Near Ceasefire Agreement

In a significant development after months of conflict, Israel and Hezbollah are on the verge of agreeing to a temporary ceasefire deal. The agreement, mediated by international stakeholders including the US and France, is expected to be discussed by Israel's cabinet imminently. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already indicated that the government supports the proposal in principle. This deal highlights a crucial 60-day pause in hostilities, allowing Israeli troops to withdraw from Southern Lebanon while Hezbollah would retreat from Israel's northern borders to ensure the safety of civilians. During this time, the Lebanese Army is set to deploy to areas close to the border, reinforcing a sense of security for returning residents. Despite the ongoing discussions, the fighting continues, evidenced by recent retaliatory strikes that have resulted in casualties on both sides. The humanitarian crisis has escalated, with over 7,300 reported deaths in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes since October 2022. The international community, particularly the US, is pushing for a resolution that may fulfill conditions outlined in the 2006 UN Security Council resolution regarding the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. However, there is significant concern regarding Hezbollah's operational capabilities and the immediate needs of the Lebanese military to manage its territory. The potential ceasefire arises amid political pressure on Netanyahu domestically and from the Biden Administration aimed at stabilizing the region ahead of further escalations.