Israel to Discuss 60-Day Ceasefire with Hezbollah amid Ongoing Fighting

The Israeli cabinet is set to discuss a proposed 60-day ceasefire with Hezbollah, which would include Israeli forces withdrawing from Lebanon and Hezbollah ceasing its presence south of the Litani River. The Lebanese Army would replace Israeli troops in these areas. The ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, is expected to be monitored by a five-country committee.

Despite reports of significant progress in negotiations, fighting continues, with Israeli airstrikes killing at least 31 people in southern Lebanon, and Hezbollah firing rockets at Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to the deal “in principle,” but Israeli far-right Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir opposes it, calling for continued military action.

The ceasefire is seen as a step toward ending the conflict, which began in October 2023 after Hezbollah launched rockets in support of Hamas. The war has caused significant casualties in Lebanon, with over 3,750 killed and more than 1 million displaced.