Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given preliminary approval to a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. This decision came during a security consultation held with Israeli officials on Sunday night. The deal still requires formal approval from Israel’s security cabinet. Israel's state security cabinet is set to review a draft ceasefire deal with Lebanon on Today before voting on it, while airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs continue.
The Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported, "The cabinet will meet this afternoon, on Tuesday, to discuss the draft ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in preparation for its approval." According to Kan, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to get the agreement with Lebanon passed through the [state security] cabinet only" and not involve the broader Israeli government.
Negotiations Face Uncertainty Amid Conflict
While the talks are going on, the is deal is still fragile as Israel continues its attacks on Lebanon. The sources familiar with the negotiations warn that any escalation in the ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah could derail the agreement. US envoy Amos Hochstein, who is mediating the discussions, expressed optimism last week, stating that a ceasefire deal was "within our grasp." Hochstein met with Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and described the talks as "constructive".
Background: Conflict Escalation Since September
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated in mid-September, following a series of border clashes. Tensions heightened significantly after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli-controlled territory in solidarity with Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza on October 8.
Since then, the conflict has resulted in a large-scale Israeli military offensive, including a ground invasion and the elimination of key Hezbollah leaders. Both sides have suffered significant casualties in the ongoing clashes.
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