Israel has reportedly agreed in principle to a US-backed ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu now strategizing how to present the agreement to the public. This development, reported by Kan, Ynet, and Haaretz on Sunday night, follows high-level consultations led by Netanyahu.
The discussions come amid escalating tensions, as Israel endured waves of rocket attacks from Lebanon throughout the day, prompting the Air Force to conduct repeated strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut.
While the ceasefire proposal is not yet finalized, officials in Jerusalem, Washington, and Beirut have confirmed that Israel has approved its main tenets, though some issues remain unresolved. According to Ynet, these terms have been communicated to Lebanon.
Last week, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that the group had reviewed the ceasefire proposal, provided a response, and indicated that the next move rested with Israel.
Haaretz reported that the ceasefire would be implemented in three stages: an initial truce, the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces north of the Litani River, and an Israeli pullout from southern Lebanon. The final phase would involve Israeli-Lebanese negotiations on the demarcation of contested border areas.
An international body led by the US would oversee the ceasefire, and Israel expects assurances from Washington that it retains the right to take military action if Hezbollah violates the agreement and Lebanon’s military or international forces fail to respond.
According to Kan, Netanyahu plans to frame the truce not as a compromise but as a strategic win for Israel. Discussions with senior ministers and security officials have also focused on ensuring Israel retains operational freedom along its borders with Lebanon and Syria once the agreement is finalized.
