Reports from international news agencies and statements from the UN and involved governments

Lebanon, Hezbollah Accept U.S. Ceasefire Proposal with Comments; Hochstein to Beirut as Iran Pushes Agreement

Nov 18, 2024, 02:55 PM

Lebanon and Hezbollah have agreed to a United States proposal for a ceasefire with Israel, with some comments on its content, according to senior Lebanese officials. Ali Hassan Khalil, an aide to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, stated that Lebanon and Hezbollah accepted the ceasefire proposal and submitted a written response to the U.S. ambassador on Monday. The agreement references United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which bans Hezbollah's armed presence south of the Litani River near the Israeli border. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein is expected to travel to Beirut on Tuesday to continue discussions on the ceasefire. Initial reports indicated that Hochstein had postponed his visit pending further clarifications from Lebanon, but later updates confirmed he would proceed with the trip. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati noted that Lebanon is dealing with the U.S. draft ceasefire proposal in a positive manner but that some clauses require further discussion. Hezbollah has reportedly expressed "positive indications" toward the ceasefire, introducing minor amendments and dealing with it in a positive and flexible manner. Iran has reportedly pushed for Hezbollah to accept the ceasefire. The ceasefire agreement would grant Israel full freedom of action in southern Lebanon. The U.S.-brokered proposal aims to end hostilities and prevent further escalation in the region.