Gallant expresses openness to an agreement with Hezbollah, amidst reports indicating that a deal might be close at hand

On Monday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel is open to reaching an understanding with Hezbollah. This potential agreement would include establishing a “safe zone” along the border, coupled with firm security assurances.

Simultaneously, Al-Arabiya TV and its Al-Hadath channel, citing unnamed sources, reported that a deal between Israel and Hezbollah could be nearing. The sources revealed that Israel has consented to Hezbollah maintaining certain observation posts, which would be jointly operated with the Lebanese Army and French forces, particularly in the region south of the Litani River.

These sources further mentioned that Israel insists on the deployment of the Lebanese Army at all points along Lebanon’s border, supported by French forces. Israel’s stance, as reported, is that only the Lebanese Army should possess weapons in the area south of the Litani River.

The sources also disclosed that international mediators have been notified of a potential U.S. guarantee. This guarantee would ensure that Israel refrains from any military actions or attacks against southern Lebanon. There’s a suggestion that U.S. forces might be stationed on the Israeli side of the border. The implementation of this agreement is anticipated to commence following the conclusion of the ongoing war in Gaza.

In a related development, Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz communicated to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken his desire to alter the current situation on the Lebanon-Israel border. Gantz emphasized the need for the Lebanese government to curtail Hezbollah’s Iran-backed attacks and keep the group away from the border.

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, the border region between Lebanon and Israel has experienced escalating tensions, primarily involving the Israeli army and Hezbollah. This escalation has heightened concerns about a possible wider conflict.

According to an AFP report, over 120 individuals have been killed on the Lebanese side since October, with the majority being Hezbollah combatants, but the toll also includes more than a dozen civilians.