Israel-Hezbollah Cease-Fire Deal: What to Expect
A cease-fire proposal between Israel and Hezbollah is under discussion, mediated by the US. The proposed 60-day cease-fire includes phased Israeli troop withdrawal, Hezbollah retreat beyond the Litani River, and a deployment of Lebanese forces with UN support. Despite this, the US maintains Israel's right to retaliate against threats.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
A potential cease-fire deal between Israel and Hezbollah has emerged, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set to discuss the proposal with his security cabinet on Tuesday. The deal, brokered by the US, could bring an end to over a year of fighting across the Israeli-Lebanese border.
The Proposed Deal
According to an Israeli source with knowledge of the deal's details, the 60-day cease-fire would see all Israeli forces withdraw from Lebanon in phases, with Hezbollah retreating beyond the Litani River, approximately 18 miles north of the Israeli border. Lebanese Armed Forces troops, with assistance from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, would deploy to the south of the country to ensure that Hezbollah does not re-enter the area between the Israeli border and the Litani.
Key Provisions of the Deal
- 60-day cease-fire
- Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanon in phases
- Hezbollah to retreat beyond the Litani River
- Lebanese Armed Forces troops to deploy to the south of the country
- US to provide oversight on Hezbollah's withdrawal
- US to head a committee to monitor and verify the implementation of the cease-fire
US-Israeli Agreement
A parallel US-Israeli agreement suggests that any deal will not necessarily mean an end to all fighting. The US has pledged support for Israel's right to strike anywhere in Lebanon against "critical" or "immediate" threats from Hezbollah or other militant groups.
Impact of the Deal
The possible cease-fire deal would be a major diplomatic achievement after nearly 14 months of war and almost 4,000 total deaths on both sides of the shared border. Tens of thousands of Israelis have fled their homes in the north of the country, while a quarter of Lebanon's population has been put under IDF evacuation orders.
US Officials' Comments
US officials have hinted at progress but refused to confirm details of any deal. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "We don't believe we have an agreement yet. We believe we're close to an agreement. We believe that we have narrowed the gap significantly, but there are still steps that we need to see taken."
Table: Timeline of the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict
Date
Event
2022
Fighting breaks out across the Israeli-Lebanese border
2023
US-brokered cease-fire talks begin
2023
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes his security cabinet to discuss the proposed deal
List: Key Players Involved in the Conflict
- Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister
- Hezbollah, Lebanese militant group
- US officials, including State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller and White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby
- Lebanese Armed Forces
- United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
