Israel Reports ‘Significant Progress’ on Lebanon Ceasefire

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar indicated on Monday that there has been some progress toward achieving a ceasefire in Lebanon, following Israel’s recent military operation targeting Hezbollah forces in the region. Saar acknowledged that discussions were ongoing with the U.S. regarding a potential settlement.

Saar emphasized that any agreement would require Hezbollah to retreat beyond the Litani River, keeping a substantial distance from Israel’s border. He highlighted the importance of having enforcement measures in place to ensure Hezbollah does not rebuild its military capabilities close to the border. Saar stressed that any violations of the agreement would lead to an immediate military response from Israel.

He further stated that international support could be crucial in maintaining Lebanon’s independence and preventing it from becoming overly influenced by Iran. According to the U.N. Security Council resolution that concluded the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah conflict, both sides were required to withdraw from a buffer zone in southern Lebanon to be monitored by U.N. peacekeepers and the Lebanese military. While Israel claims that Hezbollah has continued its military presence near the border, Lebanon accuses Israel of breaching other terms of the agreement. Lebanese leaders are against making any adjustments to this resolution.

Hezbollah began firing rockets, missiles, and drones at Israel, which triggered retaliatory strikes following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Tensions escalated significantly in September when Israel launched a series of heavy airstrikes, resulting in the death of Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and several of his senior commanders.