Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed optimism on Wednesday that a ceasefire agreement with Israel could be reached within days.
This follows the publication of a draft agreement by Israel’s public broadcaster, which outlines a proposed initial 60-day truce. The draft, allegedly written by Washington, indicates that Israel would withdraw its forces from Lebanon within the first week of the ceasefire.
Mikati noted that he had previously doubted the possibility of a deal before the U.S. presidential election on Tuesday but became more hopeful after a discussion with U.S. Middle East envoy Amos Hochstein.
Hochstein is scheduled to travel to Israel on Thursday and suggested that an agreement might be finalized before the end of the month.
“We are doing everything we can and should remain optimistic that in the coming hours or days, we will have a ceasefire,” Mikati told Lebanon’s Al Jadeed television.
The draft agreement, dated Saturday, was reportedly shared with Israeli leaders, though the White House declined to comment on its specifics, stating that various drafts are circulating but do not represent the current negotiation status.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has intensified over the last five weeks, with significant casualties reported.
The Lebanese health ministry indicated that 2,800 deaths have occurred in the past year, most of them in this recent surge of violence.
Hezbollah’s new leader, Naim Qassem, stated that the group would consider a ceasefire under certain conditions, but noted that Israel has not yet accepted any proposals for discussion.
Meanwhile, Israeli military operations continued, with heavy airstrikes reported in Baalbek, a city known for its Roman temples. These airstrikes have led to widespread panic and displacement among Lebanese civilians. The Lebanese health ministry reported 19 fatalities from strikes on two towns in the Baalbek area on Wednesday.
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In response to the situation, the U.S. State Department reaffirmed its support for Israel’s right to target Hezbollah but emphasized the need to protect civilians and cultural heritage sites.
U.S. security official Brett McGurk is set to accompany Hochstein to Israel for discussions on a range of regional issues, including the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
The draft proposal also suggests a permanent ceasefire following the initial 60-day period, contingent upon the implementation of United Nations resolutions 1701 and 1559, which call for the demilitarization of southern Lebanon and the disbandment of militias.
Mikati has indicated Lebanon’s readiness to fully comply with these resolutions as diplomatic efforts to end hostilities continue.
