Lebanon and Israel Reach Ceasefire Agreement, Announcement Expected on Wednesday
A ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel has reportedly been reached, set to be announced by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. The deal includes provisions for a new president and emphasizes the importance of compliance to avoid renewed hostilities. US Envoy Amos Hochstein facilitated the negotiations, raising hopes for regional stability.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
Beirut, Lebanon - A high-ranking source close to the negotiations between Lebanon and Israel has revealed that a ceasefire agreement has been reached between the two countries. The source, who spoke to Sputnik on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the agreement is complete and that Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati is expected to announce the deal on Wednesday.
Ceasefire Agreement Details
The source revealed that the agreement includes the election of a new president, as well as other provisions that have been widely reported in the media. The deal is seen as a significant breakthrough in the long-standing conflict between Lebanon and Israel, which has been marked by periods of violence and tension in recent years.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Lebanese media outlets have reported that any breach of the agreement by either party could be considered a collapse of the deal, potentially leading to a resumption of hostilities. This has raised concerns among observers, who warn that the agreement is fragile and requires careful implementation to succeed.
US Envoy's Role in Negotiations
US Special Envoy for the Middle East, Amos Hochstein, played a key role in brokering the agreement. Hochstein arrived in Israel on Wednesday evening, following a visit to Beirut where he briefed Israeli officials on the outcome of his talks with Lebanese leaders.
Hezbollah's Stance
A Hezbollah official, who spoke to Sputnik on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the party had submitted its comments on the US proposal. "The ball is now in Israel's court," the official said, echoing comments made by Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem last week.
Timeline of Events
Date
Event
October 2022
Israeli military launches operation in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah targets
October 2022
Hezbollah responds with rocket fire, leading to a prolonged period of violence along the border
Recent weeks
US Envoy Amos Hochstein engages in shuttle diplomacy between Beirut and Tel Aviv to broker a ceasefire agreement
Wednesday, [current date]
Hochstein arrives in Israel to brief officials on the outcome of his talks in Beirut
Expected on Wednesday, [current date]
Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati to announce the ceasefire agreement
Implications of the Agreement
The ceasefire agreement is seen as a significant development in the Middle East conflict, with implications for regional stability and security. The deal is expected to pave the way for further negotiations on outstanding issues, including the demarcation of the maritime border between Lebanon and Israel.
As the region waits with bated breath for the official announcement of the agreement, observers are cautiously optimistic about the prospects for peace. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, and the success of the agreement will depend on the commitment of all parties to its implementation.
