Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave his tentative approval to a proposed ceasefire deal with Hezbollah during a security meeting with Israeli officials on Sunday night, according to a source familiar with the discussions and quoted by CNN.
According to a Sky News report, the negotiated agreement stipulates a gradual Israeli withdrawal within 60 days to ensure the deployment of the Lebanese Army, in addition to the creation of a five-party committee which will oversee the implementation of the agreement in Lebanon within the alocated period.
This committee which Israel has reportedly agreed on will include United States, France, Lebanon, Israel, and UNIFIL forces. Washington will take on the supervisory role of the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon.
However, Israel still has concerns about certain aspects of the agreement, which are expected to be conveyed to the Lebanese government on Monday.
These and other points remain under negotiation, and sources emphasized that the agreement will only be finalized once all outstanding issues are resolved.
Furthermore, the ceasefire agreement will require approval from the Israeli cabinet, a step that has yet to take place.
Negotiations appear to be progressing positively, according to sources familiar with the talks. Nonetheless, these sources cautioned that ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah mean that any miscalculation could derail these discussions.
United States envoy Amos Hochstein, speaking from Beirut last week, described the ceasefire deal as being "within our grasp," but noted that its success ultimately depends on the decisions of the parties involved. Hochstein met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the key liaison with Hezbollah in the talks, and characterized the discussions as "constructive" and "very good" in addressing areas of disagreement.
Comments