Is a Ceasefire Happening? Israeli Officials Say Israel is Expected to Ceasefire with Hezbollah, Lebanese Officials Confirm Cooperation

 Crucial advancements have been made regarding the conflict between Israel and the Lebanon-based militant organization Hezbollah. The tension between the two sides rose initially after the Gaza invasion of Israel, but the official date could be cited as the 8th of October, 2023, after Hezbollah fired on the Lebanon-Israel border. The conflict escalated on the 30th of September, 2024, when Israel invaded Lebanese ground. Since then, countless attacks have been orchestrated by both sides, with one of Israel’s attacks killing the militant group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah. This Tuesday, Israel’s missiles hit south of Beirut, which is a territory under Hezbollah’s control.

Recent claims from Israeli officials could indicate a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, possibly subsiding or even ending the ongoing war. For Israel, a ceasefire would give thousands of displaced Israeli residents their houses back. This plan will also ensure Israel is in control of areas currently under Hezbollah’s watch near the border between Lebanon and Israel. According to Reuters, 4 Israeli officials told them that if the security cabinet approves the U.S. ceasefire plan in a meeting chaired by President Netanyahu, it would be a great step towards an official ceasefire declaration made by French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Joe Biden. Both French and U.S. officials expressed that a ceasefire is close, leaving the international community in expectancy for this conflict to end very soon.

Although there is hesitance, both sides seem to be also working towards a ceasefire. The Lebanese government stated their hopes of achieving a total ceasefire. The plan has already been approved in Beirut and has been given positive feedback from the Lebanese citizens. A Lebanese parliamentary speaker said that there are no obstacles left to take the plan into action. However, recent Israeli attacks on Beirut might deteriorate this cooperation, yet no signs of a change of plan have been seen on both sides.

This plan will force Israeli troops out of southern Lebanon, where they currently control, and will allow Lebanon’s military to deploy to the area, a current stronghold for Hezbollah. It would also force Hezbollah’s army to leave the border south of the Litani River. It is also important to note that the Israeli defense minister stated that they will show “zero tolerance” if Lebanon were to not keep the conditions up. If these conditions are achieved, the Israeli presence will end in Lebanese land, and thousands of people displaced because of the conflict will have the chance to go back to their homes.

Since this diplomatic breakthrough is very new, it is not certain that the plan will go through. However, statements from both sides and the international community have created an expectation for a ceasefire to be achieved. If the plan is approved, it will be crucial not only for the active war between Hezbollah and Israel, but it will also be a major improvement toward achieving a ceasefire and possibly ending the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

To learn more about the Israel-Palestine conflict, ongoing since October 7, 2023, you can read our report containing historical context, timelines, and personal briefs.

Source: Reuters

Author: Defne Doğan