Momentum is building towards a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah after weeks of escalating conflict. Lebanon’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Elias Bou Saab, stated that "no serious obstacles" remain to the implementation of a U.S.-proposed 60-day truce. This breakthrough follows weeks of intense mediation efforts by the United States and the United Nations.
A five-country committee, chaired by the U.S. and including France, has been proposed to oversee the ceasefire's implementation. The plan outlines a timeline for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, allowing for the deployment of the Lebanese Army to southern regions. Lebanon is optimistic about the agreement, with an announcement expected "within hours," according to a Western diplomat.
The conflict, which reignited in October, has left a trail of destruction. Israel’s military campaigns, including a deadly strike on Beirut’s Basta Fawqa neighborhood, have caused significant civilian casualties. Lebanese rescue workers continue to recover bodies from the rubble, highlighting the devastating impact on non-combatants.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s armed response has drawn comparisons to the deadly exchanges of the 2006 war. This latest round of violence began with cross-border rocket fire and intensified following Israel’s targeted assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Efforts to halt hostilities hinge on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 conflict. The resolution calls for the disarmament of armed groups, the establishment of a weapons-free buffer zone along the Blue Line, and the deployment of UNIFIL and Lebanese troops. However, both sides have historically accused each other of violations.
Israel insists on preventing Hezbollah’s rearmament and limiting its presence south of the Litani River as preconditions for the ceasefire. Lebanese officials, in turn, emphasize the need for Israeli withdrawal to enable displaced civilians to return home.
Markets reacted positively to the news, with Israeli and Lebanese government bonds gaining value. Brent crude oil prices fell by 2%, reflecting easing concerns over regional instability. However, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar underscored that enforcement mechanisms, not just agreements on paper, will determine the truce's success.
The Israeli security cabinet is set to convene on November 26 to finalize its position on the ceasefire proposal. As diplomatic efforts reach a critical juncture, international observers hope the deal will bring lasting stability to a region marked by decades of strife.