JERUSALEM – On Nov 11, Israeli officials indicated progress in ongoing discussions about a potential ceasefire in Lebanon, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar suggesting that Russia could play a role in preventing Hezbollah from rearming through Syria. Despite these diplomatic developments, Hezbollah stated it had yet to receive any official ceasefire proposals.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Saar emphasized the importance of ceasefire enforcement, particularly ensuring Hezbollah’s repositioning north of the Litani River. “We are working with the Americans on the issue,” Mr. Saar noted, highlighting efforts with the United States to advance negotiations.
Israel’s conditions for a truce include maintaining Hezbollah’s withdrawal north of the Litani, approximately 30 km from the Lebanese-Israeli border, and halting its access to new weapons. Since late September, Israel has conducted extensive military operations targeting Hezbollah positions in Beirut’s southern suburbs, southern Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley, deploying troops close to the Lebanese border.
In Beirut, Hezbollah’s spokesperson Mohammad Afif acknowledged diplomatic activity involving the U.S., Russia, and Tehran but clarified that no concrete proposals had been received. “There is a great movement between Washington and Moscow and Tehran and a number of capitals,” Mr. Afif stated, describing the process as one of preliminary discussions.
According to Israel Hayom, recent negotiations center around a potential ceasefire arrangement mandating Hezbollah’s withdrawal from areas near the Israeli border. Yedioth Ahronoth, Israel’s most-read newspaper, reported that draft agreements have been exchanged between Israel and Lebanon, facilitated by U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, suggesting that a final agreement could be approaching.