A breakthrough ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah appears imminent, with Israel's Security Cabinet expected to approve the deal Tuesday, according to senior US officials. The proposed agreement would end over a year of conflict that has claimed thousands of lives on both sides.
The draft deal includes a 60-day transition period during which Israeli forces would withdraw from southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah would move heavy weapons north of the Litani River. Lebanese army forces would deploy to border areas under US-led oversight.
"We think we have a deal. We're on the goal line but we haven't passed it yet," a senior US official told reporters Monday. The agreement nearly derailed last week when the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, creating diplomatic tensions with France's potential role in oversight.
President Biden intervened personally, speaking with French President Macron to resolve the crisis. US mediator Amos Hochstein reportedly warned Israel he would withdraw if progress stalled, pushing parties toward agreement.
The deal would allow hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians on both sides to return home. Over 3,500 Lebanese have been killed and 15,000 injured since fighting escalated in October 2024, while Israel has lost approximately 140 soldiers and civilians.
The US has promised Israel written assurances supporting military action against immediate threats from Lebanese territory, following consultation and if Lebanese forces fail to address concerns.
Israel's Security Cabinet is expected to convene tomorrow (Tuesday) to discuss terms of this ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, aimed at ending hostilities along the northern border. The deal's terms and Israel's conditions for acceptance are expected to be central to tomorrow's cabinet discussions.
Axios contributed to this article.