Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed optimism on Wednesday about the possibility of a ceasefire with Israel, stating that a deal could be finalized within days. His remarks came shortly after Israel’s public broadcaster published what it described as a draft U.S.-brokered truce plan, suggesting a 60-day ceasefire aimed at bringing temporary relief to the war-torn region.
The document, allegedly drafted by Washington, proposes that Israel withdraw its forces from Lebanon within the initial week of the truce. This 60-day period could serve as a foundation for further negotiations toward a lasting peace. Although the White House has not confirmed the draft’s specifics, U.S. National Security spokesperson Sean Savett acknowledged the presence of various proposals, without specifying the document's validity.
U.S. Middle East envoy Amos Hochstein reportedly conveyed to Mikati an increased likelihood of a ceasefire, hinting that an agreement could be reached before November 5. Hochstein is scheduled to meet Israeli officials on Thursday to further discuss regional stability, with a particular focus on de-escalation efforts in Lebanon and Gaza.
As diplomatic negotiations continue, Lebanon’s Baalbek area faces mounting devastation. On Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes targeted key sites within the historic city and nearby villages, prompting tens of thousands to evacuate. Lebanese authorities reported at least 19 civilian fatalities from the strikes, which concentrated on the city’s fuel depots and infrastructure believed to be used by Hezbollah.
In response to the escalating air campaign, Lebanese civil defense leader Bilal Raad described scenes of "chaos and panic," as the population sought safety. Roula Zeaiter of the Lebanese Women Democratic Gathering reported that displacement is widespread and continues to deepen. Approximately 1.2 million Lebanese citizens have been displaced since the conflict's resurgence, and Lebanon's health ministry estimates the conflict has claimed 2,822 lives, with 2,100 of those in the last five weeks alone.
Hezbollah’s newly elected secretary-general, Naim Qassem, stated that the group would consider a truce under specific terms, although Israel has yet to accept any proposals. Qassem's remarks came a day after his predecessor, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike, marking a pivotal shift in the leadership of Hezbollah.
As Israel's military expands its operations in Lebanon, targeting command centers and fuel depots associated with Hezbollah, U.S. officials urged restraint, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and Lebanon's cultural heritage. UNESCO echoed this sentiment, calling for the protection of Baalbek’s Roman ruins, which have narrowly avoided direct hits during the conflict.
In parallel with ceasefire discussions for Gaza, U.S. envoys Brett McGurk and Amos Hochstein are slated to address the possibility of a lasting peace in Lebanon based on UN Security Council Resolutions 1701 and 1559. Resolution 1701 calls for a demilitarized zone in southern Lebanon, which has seen sporadic adherence over the past 18 years.
Prime Minister Mikati confirmed that Lebanon is committed to implementing Resolution 1701 fully, indicating that the proposal under consideration includes an international oversight mechanism to secure the ceasefire. However, for residents in Lebanon and Israel, a long-term peace remains uncertain, with both sides navigating complex alliances and unresolved grievances.
As Lebanon continues to cope with the humanitarian toll, international bodies and Lebanese officials emphasize the urgency of a ceasefire to avert further civilian casualties and cultural loss in a country already facing unprecedented challenges.