Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to present a U.S.-mediated ceasefire proposal with Hezbollah in Lebanon to his government for approval, possibly as early as Tuesday evening.
In a televised statement, Netanyahu confirmed he would bring “a ceasefire outline” to the cabinet but did not specify its duration, stating it would depend on developments in Lebanon. He warned, “If Hezbollah violates the agreement or tries to rearm, we will respond forcefully.”
The United States, supported by France, has taken the lead in negotiating the truce. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s ongoing military flexibility, saying, “In coordination with the U.S., we retain full operational freedom,” while referencing the seven active fronts Israel faces, including Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Iran.
Despite the proposed ceasefire, Israeli forces launched strikes in Beirut, while the military reported that approximately 15 projectiles had been fired into Israel from Lebanon.
The conflict intensified after nearly a year of limited cross-border skirmishes initiated by Hezbollah in solidarity with Hamas following its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which triggered the war in Gaza.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, at least 3,823 people have been killed since October, most since September. Israeli officials report 82 soldiers and 47 civilians have died on their side.
Netanyahu explained that the ceasefire would enable Israel to prioritize “the Iranian threat” and intensify operations against Hamas in Gaza.
He added, “With Hezbollah neutralized, Hamas is left isolated, allowing us to increase pressure and focus on rescuing hostages.”
Of the 251 hostages taken during Hamas’ attack last year, 97 remain in captivity, including 34 declared deceased by the Israeli army.
The ceasefire proposal has sparked controversy within Israel. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir labelled it “a historic mistake” and criticized its return to the “silence for silence” approach.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Netanyahu of negligence, urging immediate action to secure the hostages’ release.
David Azoulay, mayor of Metula, Israel’s northernmost town, criticized the plan as insufficient for lasting peace, refusing to meet with Netanyahu over the issue.
A poll conducted by Channel 12 showed mixed public sentiment, with 37% supporting the ceasefire, 32% opposing it, and 31% undecided.
