Israel Proposes Ceasefire with Hezbollah; U.S. Envoys to Discuss Blockade to Prevent Hezbollah Rearmament

Oct 30, 2024, 03:51 AM

Israel and the United States are in advanced discussions to reach a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon to end hostilities with Hezbollah. According to reports from Channel 12 Israel, Israel has proposed not expanding its ground operations in southern Lebanon in exchange for American support for a blockade—including land, sea, and air—that would prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding and rearming. The agreement includes a 60-day trial period during which the Lebanese army would dismantle Hezbollah's remaining infrastructure up to the Litani River, creating a Hezbollah-free zone. Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon until this process is completed. Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated that Israel's security cabinet is discussing the terms of the ceasefire. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the terms, following his visit to Beirut. High-level U.S. officials, including Amos Hochstein, Brett McGurk, and CIA Director William Burns, are set to visit Israel and Egypt to finalize the deal. The proposed agreement aims to implement an improved version of UN Resolution 1701, requiring Hezbollah fighters to withdraw north of the Litani River and strengthening UNIFIL's presence in southern Lebanon.