Diplomacy aimed at securing a cease-fire in Lebanon has shown some progress as Israel continued its offensive against Hezbollah. Israel carried out intense airstrikes on Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs near Beirut, causing casualties and damage. The U.S. ambassador to Lebanon submitted a draft truce proposal to halt fighting between Hezbollah and Israel, which included steps to implement U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. There is hope for a possible cease-fire agreement as both sides have agreed on 13 points in the proposal.
Israel’s energy minister mentioned that prospects for a cease-fire are the most promising since the conflict began. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly pushing for a Lebanon ceasefire to deliver an early foreign policy win to President-elect Trump. Efforts by the U.S. to broker a deal between Israel and Hezbollah have failed thus far. Hezbollah has signaled its willingness to move forces away from the Lebanese-Israeli border under a ceasefire agreement.
Key sticking points for Israel include retaining the freedom to act if Hezbollah returns to border areas, while Lebanon is ready to implement Resolution 1701 precisely. The United Nations will support a ceasefire through peacekeeping efforts but will not directly enforce it. The cost of the conflict in Lebanon is estimated at $8.5 billion, with thousands of casualties on both sides. Critical talks are ongoing, with hopes for an announcement on a ceasefire agreement in the coming week.
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