U.S. Reports Lebanon Ceasefire Nearing Agreement, Yet to Be Finalized

A ceasefire to halt the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah appears to be within reach but has not yet been finalized, according to U.S. officials. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed on Monday that while progress has been made, significant steps remain.

“We believe we’re close to an agreement,” Miller told reporters, “but there are still steps that we need to see taken.” White House national security spokesperson John Kirby echoed the cautious optimism, stating, “We’re close, but nothing is done until everything is done.”

Reports from multiple sources suggest intense diplomatic efforts are underway. The U.S. and France have been spearheading negotiations, with expectations that an official ceasefire announcement could come within 36 hours. Axios reported that Israel and Lebanon had agreed on terms, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has declined to comment on these claims.

Hostilities have surged since October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah began launching rockets, missiles, and drones at northern Israel, forcing tens of thousands of Israelis to flee their homes. Israel’s military response escalated over the past two months as it sought to secure its border and push Hezbollah forces farther north.

Diplomacy is centered around the enforcement of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which demands Hezbollah’s withdrawal north of the Litani River and the disarmament of its forces in southern Lebanon. Israel has insisted on retaining the right to conduct military operations to prevent Hezbollah from rearming a sticking point for Lebanese officials, who view it as a challenge to national sovereignty.

Lebanese Deputy Parliament Speaker Elias Bou Saab noted that the proposal under discussion includes the deployment of regular Lebanese troops to the border region within 60 days, following an Israeli military withdrawal. A five-country committee chaired by the U.S. and including France has been agreed upon to monitor compliance.

Retired Israeli Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi has cautioned against any agreement that does not guarantee Iran’s full exit from Lebanon. “Without such assurances, the deal would be devastating for the Jewish state,” he warned.

As negotiations enter their final stages, U.S. officials acknowledge that the last steps are often the most difficult. “We are pushing as hard as we can,” Miller said, emphasizing the importance of resolving the toughest issues left on the table.

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