Israel and Lebanon appear to have reached the framework for a ceasefire to bring an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, a senior U.S. official disclosed to Axios’s Barak Ravid today. However, an official announcement has not yet been made.

A ceasefire would pave the way for hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals from both sides of the border to gradually return to their homes.

According to the U.S. official, the Israeli Security Cabinet is anticipated to approve the agreement during a meeting on Tuesday. An Israeli official confirmed that the cabinet would convene for this purpose.

“We believe we have an agreement. We’re on the verge of finalizing it, but hurdles remain. The Israeli cabinet’s approval on Tuesday is crucial, and there’s always a chance for complications,” said the U.S. official.

On Sunday, multiple U.S. and Israeli officials shared that the ceasefire deal was nearing its final stages.

The proposed ceasefire includes a 60-day transition period. During this time:

  • The Israeli military would withdraw from southern Lebanon.
  • The Lebanese army would take up positions near the border.
  • Hezbollah would relocate its heavy weaponry to areas north of the Litani River.

An oversight committee, led by the United States, would monitor the agreement’s implementation and address any violations.
Additionally, the U.S. has committed to providing Israel with a letter of assurances. This document includes support for Israeli military action against imminent threats originating from Lebanese territory and measures to disrupt the reestablishment of Hezbollah’s military presence or the smuggling of heavy weaponry. Under these terms, Israel would consult with the U.S. before taking such actions, provided the Lebanese military failed to address the threats.

Today, Dan Shapiro, the Pentagon’s top official for Middle East policy, is scheduled to arrive in Israel. He is set to meet with Defense Minister Yisroel Katz and other Israeli leaders to discuss the next steps in the ceasefire process.

{Matzav.com}