In the background of reports of a ceasefire in Lebanon, and while the United States is waiting for Hezbollah’s response to the proposal, Knesset member Benny Gantz from the opposition, gave support this morning to the Israeli demand to maintain Israeli freedom of action against any violation of the agreements, thus supporting the government’s position. Gantz issued a statement on his X-account saying, “A condition for any agreement with Lebanon – full Israeli freedom of action against any violation.”
According to reports, Lebanon has a “positive ambiguity” regarding the proposal, despite the Israeli demand that stands at the bedrock of the dispute, and that is the IDF’s activity in Lebanon the day after the war, as stated in Israel, sends a clear message across the political system: An agreement with Lebanon and Hezbollah – only on condition that Israel can defend itself.
According to Arab media reports, Hezbollah tends to agree to accept the ceasefire with “minor changes” ahead of a fateful week: “A ceasefire – or tough fighting until January”. US delegate Amos Hochstein will arrive in Beirut tomorrow to continue talks on a ceasefire, with reports of positive openness in Lebanon to the American proposal. Hezbollah demands adjustments and raises difficulties, but “the negotiations have become serious, and Netanyahu is facing double pressure for a ceasefire.”
These are the details of the proposal, according to reports in Lebanon:
The withdrawal of IDF forces back to the international border
The proposal includes the implementation of the withdrawal of IDF forces from the areas in south Lebanon. The withdrawal is expected to take place in stages, as is the entry of the Lebanese army into the area.
Implementation of Resolution 1701
The proposal includes the implementation of the UN resolution adopted after the Second Lebanon War. At the basis of the decision is the principle that Hezbollah must not be present and act militarily south of the Litani River.
Enforcing the cease-fire agreement
One of the critical points of the agreement is how Israel can ensure that Hezbollah does not violate the agreement, as it did after the Second Lebanon War. For this purpose, a commission of oversight is proposed to implement the decision. The committee is expected to include a French general and an American general. If the committee fails to enforce the breach, Israel will be able to use military force. This point is most significant for Israel, and to which Benny Gantz referred, as stated.
The flow of Lebanese army forces south of Litani
According to the proposal, the Lebanese army will begin gradually entering the south of the country, so that in the first stage 5,000 soldiers will be allowed to enter. The Lebanese army will enjoy exclusivity in the south of the country, and the weapons will be held only in its hands. In addition, UNIFIL forces in the region will be reinforced as well. In the area of responsibility of the Lebanese army, there will also be scans to ensure that all the weapons are in his hands only.
Setting the land boundary
The proposal includes, at least according to some reports, the resumption of operations by the Tripartite Committee, which includes Lebanon, Israel and the UNIFIL force, which will return after 60 days from the start of the ceasefire to draw the land border and decide on 13 disputed points.
It should be noted that reports from Lebanon have no reference to another letter, in which an Israeli demand appears from the United States, to allow IDF forces to operate in Lebanon in the event of a breach of the agreement – the same point which is often agreed upon both in the opposition and in the coalition.
