Netanyahu provisionally approves ceasefire with Hezbollah

BEIRUT: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has provisionally approved a proposed ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah during a security meeting with Israeli officials on Sunday night, according to sources familiar with the talks.

However, Israel reportedly has reservations about certain aspects of the agreement, which will be conveyed to the Lebanese government on Monday.

While talks continue, the agreement remains provisional until all outstanding issues are resolved. The Israeli cabinet will also need to approve the ceasefire for it to move forward. Sources involved in the talks expressed optimism about progress but warned that the ongoing exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah could derail the talks with a single mistake.

US envoy Amos Hochstein, who is mediating the talks, said during a visit to Beirut last week that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon was “in our understanding,” although it ultimately depends on “the parties’ decision.”

He met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who serves as Hezbollah’s point of contact in the talks. Hochstein called the talks “constructive” and “very good discussions to reduce the damage.”

“We have a real opportunity to end the conflict,” Hochstein said last week. “The window is now.” He later traveled to Israel to finalize the talks. The US-backed proposal calls for a 60-day ceasefire, which could serve as the basis for a lasting ceasefire.

On Sunday, Axios journalist Barak Ravid reported that Hochstein warned the Israeli ambassador in Washington that he would withdraw from the mediation if Israel failed to respond positively to the proposal in the coming days. Lebanon had previously responded positively to the US-backed plan, with Prime Minister Mikati confirming that most aspects of the draft agreement had been resolved.

The conflict escalated in mid-September when Israel launched a major military operation in Lebanon after months of cross-border clashes that began on October 8 last year.

The clashes began after Hezbollah launched an attack on Israeli-controlled territory in support of Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza. Israel’s military campaign has included a ground offensive, the assassination of key Hezbollah figures – including founding member Hassan Nasrallah – and attacks that have caused widespread destruction and injured thousands.