Israel and Lebanon Close to Ceasefire; Netanyahu Awaits Cabinet Approval

Nov 24, 2024, 10:19 PM

Israel and Lebanon are reportedly nearing a ceasefire agreement to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held security consultations and is moving forward with the U.S.-proposed ceasefire, pending approval from the Israeli security cabinet. U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein, who threatened to withdraw from the negotiations if a deal is not reached within days, has been instrumental in brokering the agreement. The agreement could be finalized within days and is expected to include a 60-day transition period, during which Israel would withdraw from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah would move heavy weapons north. Israel has received guarantees from the United States for freedom of action in the event of any violations of the agreement.