Israel expected to approve ceasefire with Hezbollah, Israeli official says
(VOVWORLD) - Israel looks set to approve a US plan for a ceasefire with Lebanon's Hezbollah on Tuesday, a senior Israeli official said, clearing the way for an end to the conflict that claimed thousands of people since it was ignited by the Gaza conflict 14 months ago.
 Smoke billows over Beirut's southern suburbs, after an Israeli strike, amid the ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Baabda, Lebanon, November 26, 2024. (REUTERS) |
That optimism was shared by Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib who expressed hope at a G7 meeting in Italy that a ceasefire would be reached by Tuesday night.
Israel's security cabinet is expected to convene later on Tuesday to discuss and likely approve the text at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the official said. This would pave the way for a ceasefire declaration by US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, four senior Lebanese sources told Reuters on Monday.
The agreement requires Israeli troops to leave south Lebanon, and Lebanon's army will take over within 60 days. Hezbollah will also end its presence along the border south of the Litani River. The deal allows Israel to defend itself against Hezbollah threats and helps displaced residents return safely to northern Israel, according to Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer.