Lebanon, Hezbollah Back US Ceasefire Proposal, Israel’s Next Move Awaited

Hezbollah has accepted a US proposal for a ceasefire with Israel, according to Ali Hassan Khalil, a senior aide to Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. The proposal, submitted last week by US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson, was delivered to Berri, who has acted as a mediator in negotiations involving the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Khalil confirmed on Monday that both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government had agreed to the proposal, though they provided comments for clarification. “Lebanon presented its comments on the paper in a positive atmosphere. All the comments affirm strict adherence to [UN] Resolution 1701 with all its provisions,” Khalil stated.

UN Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, required non-state armed groups like Hezbollah to withdraw from southern Lebanon near the Israeli border. However, Hezbollah has neither disarmed nor vacated the region in compliance with the resolution.

As Lebanon submitted its response to the US proposal, Amos Hochstein, President Joe Biden’s Middle East envoy, is expected to arrive in Lebanon on Tuesday to facilitate further discussions. Khalil emphasized that the next move was up to Israel, adding, “If Israel does not want a solution, it could create 100 problems.”

Neither Hezbollah nor Israel has publicly commented on the ceasefire proposal. Reports suggest that the proposal might include a mechanism to monitor the truce, potentially involving a third party. However, Hezbollah is unlikely to agree to conditions allowing Israel to monitor the ceasefire or granting it rights to unilaterally invade Lebanon.

The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel escalated into a full-scale war on September 30, following weeks of daily clashes triggered by the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel last year. Israel’s invasion of Lebanon included extensive bombardments, sabotage operations, and the targeting of Hezbollah leaders, including its chief Hassan Nasrallah.

Khalil assured that Lebanon’s stance, as conveyed in writing to the US ambassador, remains unchanged despite Israeli negotiations “under fire.” Further developments depend on Israel’s response to the proposal.