Israel Agrees in Principle to US-Backed Ceasefire with Hezbollah

On Sunday, November 24, 2024, Israel signaled its agreement in principle to a US-backed ceasefire with Hezbollah, a move that comes after a day of intense missile and rocket fire from the Lebanese militant group. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held high-level consultations on the matter, reportedly working on how to present the truce to the public as negotiations continue. While the details of the agreement are still being finalized, Israeli officials have confirmed the main components of the deal, which were communicated to Lebanon.

The proposed ceasefire plan, which has been under intense US mediation, includes a three-phase process. Initially, a truce would be established, followed by the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces north of the Litani River, and eventually, Israel would pull out from southern Lebanon. The final stage would involve Israeli-Lebanese negotiations on contested border areas.

The agreement also proposes the establishment of an international monitoring body led by the United States, tasked with overseeing the ceasefire's implementation. Israel expects a letter from Washington, affirming its right to act militarily if Hezbollah violates the ceasefire, and if Lebanese and international forces fail to act.

Hezbollah's Response and Increased Attacks

While the ceasefire proposal is still under negotiation, Hezbollah has increased its attacks on Israel. Over the course of Sunday, more than 250 rockets and drones were fired at northern and central Israel. Several people were wounded in the attacks, which Israeli officials expect to intensify as the final details of the agreement are hammered out.

Hezbollah's leader, Naim Qassem, has indicated that the organization is awaiting Israel's response to the ceasefire proposal. The group's aim seems to be to show its continued military capability and deter Israel from further actions against Beirut. Hezbollah also released an AI-generated image on Sunday threatening that "the fate of Tel Aviv would be the fate of Beirut" if Israel continues to strike the Lebanese capital.

US Mediation and the Urgency to Finalize the Deal

US Special Envoy Amos Hochstein, who visited both Beirut and Jerusalem last week, told Israeli officials that this would be their last chance to accept the deal before the incoming US administration takes office in January. Former US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro is expected to arrive in Israel to help finalize the details of the agreement in the coming days.

The ceasefire deal would also place responsibility on the Lebanese Army to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing itself in southern Lebanon, an area heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict.

The Wider Context of the Conflict

Since October 8, 2023, Hezbollah-led forces have been launching near-daily attacks on Israeli border communities, positioning themselves in support of Hamas in Gaza. In response, Israel has intensified its military operations against Hezbollah, including airstrikes on key targets in Beirut and a ground operation aimed at clearing Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon.

The ongoing clashes have resulted in the deaths of 44 Israeli civilians, 71 IDF soldiers, and numerous Hezbollah fighters. The conflict has also displaced tens of thousands of residents on both sides of the border.