Netanyahu Endorses Proposed Ceasefire Agreement with Hezbollah Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged his Cabinet to approve a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah, mediated by the United States. This move could end over a year of conflict linked to the ongoing Gaza Strip war. Before the Cabinet meeting, Israel launched intense strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs, issuing numerous evacuation warnings. Local authorities reported at least 23 fatalities from these strikes.

The proposed ceasefire aims to halt fighting for two months, requiring Hezbollah to withdraw from southern Lebanon. Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of Lebanese soldiers and UN peacekeepers would be deployed in the south, with an international panel led by the US overseeing compliance. However, implementation remains uncertain as Israel demands the right to act if Hezbollah violates the agreement.

Ceasefire Agreement and Regional Implications

Netanyahu stated that a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to concentrate on Iran, which supports both groups. "If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack," he said. "For every violation, we will attack with might." The exact terms of the deal have not been disclosed, and it is unclear when it will take effect.

Despite optimism about a ceasefire, Israel continues its campaign in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah's military capabilities. An Israeli strike recently destroyed a residential building in Beirut's Basta district, killing seven people and injuring 37 others. Another strike hit Hamra's commercial district near Lebanon's Central Bank, though casualties were not immediately reported.

Impact on Civilians and Ongoing Tensions

The conflict has displaced 1.2 million people in Lebanon over 13 months, with more than 3,760 fatalities reported by Lebanese health officials. Israel claims over 2,000 Hezbollah members have been killed. Meanwhile, Hezbollah's rocket fire has forced around 50,000 Israelis to evacuate northern areas, with rockets reaching as far south as Tel Aviv.

Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel after Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023. This triggered the Gaza war and led to ongoing exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah. Israeli military actions have intensified since mid-September, aiming to stop Hezbollah attacks so evacuated Israelis can return home.

Statements from Key Figures

Hezbollah has accepted the proposal but awaits its final form before fully committing. Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah's political council, told Al Jazeera: "After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials." He added that any violation of Lebanon's sovereignty is unacceptable.

Lebanese state media reported additional casualties from strikes in Baalbek province and a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for Beirut's southern suburbs and Naqoura town, where UNIFIL is based. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti confirmed that peacekeepers would not evacuate.

The ceasefire deal requires Hezbollah to relocate north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the Israeli border in some areas. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties on both sides and disrupted daily life for many residents.