Lebanon Hopes for Cease-fire With Israel as Hezbollah Reportedly Agrees To Withdraw North of Litani River
Prime Minister Mikati says end of hostilities could be imminent after discussions with US envoy Hochstein
By Steven Ganot/The Media Line
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed optimism on Wednesday that a cease-fire agreement with Israel could be reached within days, following discussions with US envoy Amos Hochstein. The potential deal aims to end over a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which have escalated significantly in the past five weeks. Notably, reports have emerged that Hezbollah has agreed to withdraw its forces north of the Litani River, a key requirement of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
“We are doing everything we can and should remain hopeful that in the coming hours or days, we will have a cease-fire,” Mikati told Lebanon’s Al Jadeed television. He added that Hochstein suggested an agreement could be reached before November 5, ahead of the US presidential election.
Israeli public broadcaster Kan published what it claimed was a leaked draft of a US-proposed cease-fire agreement. The document outlines an initial 60-day truce, during which Israel would withdraw its forces from Lebanon within the first week. Crucially, the cease-fire would pave the way for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1701 and 1559, which call for the disarmament of armed groups in Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) along the southern border.
Lebanon’s MTV news outlet reported that Hezbollah has agreed to establish a demilitarized zone and withdraw its weapons north of the Litani River. This marks a significant shift in the group’s stance, as it had previously resisted such measures. The Litani River, located approximately 25 kilometers north of much of the Israeli border but only 3 kilometers from the border near Metula, has long been considered a strategic line for security arrangements in southern Lebanon.
The draft agreement also proposes the creation of an independent international mechanism to oversee the cease-fire, with the United States playing a leading role. Israel would retain the right to respond to violations and could act against threats from Lebanese territory after consulting with the US. Additionally, Israel would be allowed to conduct intelligence flights over Lebanon under certain conditions.
While the White House did not confirm the specifics of the leaked draft, National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett stated, “There are many reports and drafts circulating. They do not reflect the current state of negotiations.”
Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shiite group, has not officially commented on the leaked proposal. However, in his first speech as Hezbollah’s new leader, Naim Qassem indicated that the group would agree to a cease-fire under acceptable terms. “If the Israelis decide that they want to stop the aggression, we say we accept, but under the conditions that we see as appropriate and suitable,” Qassem said. He did not explicitly mention the withdrawal north of the Litani River but the reports suggest a new willingness to comply with UN resolutions.
Qassem’s appointment as secretary-general came after Israel assassinated the group’s longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah last month. Despite issuing threats against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Qassem’s openness to a cease-fire marks a potential turning point in the conflict.
Israel continues to expand its military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon. On Wednesday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched heavy airstrikes on the eastern city of Baalbek, known for its Roman temples, and nearby villages. The IDF issued evacuation warnings to residents before the strikes, leading tens of thousands, including many who had sought refuge in Baalbek from other areas, to flee.
“The whole city is in a panic trying to figure out where to go; there’s a huge traffic jam,” said Bilal Raad, regional head of the Lebanese civil defense.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that 19 people were killed in Israeli strikes on two towns in the Baalbek area on Wednesday. The ministry stated that 2,822 people have been killed in Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon since October 2023, with more than 1.2 million displaced.
The IDF confirmed targeting Hezbollah fuel depots near Baalbek, stating that the sites provided fuel for vehicles serving the organization and were part of its military infrastructure. The IDF accused Iran of supplying the fuel, noting that “Iran finances more than half of Hezbollah’s budget.”
The United States reiterated its support for Israel’s right to target legitimate Hezbollah sites in Lebanon but urged caution to avoid civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure and cultural heritage sites. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that Israel’s operations in Lebanon must not mirror those in Gaza, where widespread destruction has occurred.
US President Joe Biden’s Middle East adviser Brett McGurk and special envoy Amos Hochstein are expected to visit Israel and Lebanon for talks on ending the fighting. A US official stated that they would discuss a range of issues, including Gaza, Lebanon, hostages, Iran, and broader regional matters.
The proposed cease-fire has raised concerns among some Israeli officials and analysts. There is skepticism over Lebanon’s ability and willingness to disarm Hezbollah, as required by UN resolutions. “Lebanon has never implemented Resolution 1701,” an Israeli source told Maariv. “Instead, Lebanon let Hezbollah grow from a group that had 13,000 rockets to 150,000 rockets.”
However, reports that Hezbollah has agreed to withdraw north of the Litani River suggest a possible shift in dynamics. This withdrawal would create a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, potentially reducing the threat to northern Israel and allowing displaced residents to return home.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen confirmed that the security cabinet had discussed the terms of a potential truce, including the requirement for Hezbollah to pull back north of the Litani River. “Thanks to all the army’s operations these past months and particularly these past weeks, Israel can come in a position of strength after the entire Hezbollah leadership was eliminated and over 2,000 Hezbollah terrorist infrastructures were hit,” Cohen told Kan public broadcaster.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri emphasized that UN Resolution 1701 must be implemented “word for word” and that the ball is now in Israel’s court. “I’ve completed all points related to the cease-fire, army deployment, and implementation of Resolution 1701,” Berri said.
Despite the apparent progress, some Israeli officials remain cautious. “At this point, we don’t identify Hezbollah’s willingness to agree to the outline and conditions we presented, with all due respect to the American administration’s investment and effort,” an Israeli government source told Maariv. There are also fears that Hezbollah and Hamas could use a cease-fire to regroup and rearm.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Hezbollah-led forces have attacked Israeli communities and military posts along the border on a near-daily basis since October 2023, resulting in the deaths of 32 Israeli civilians and 61 soldiers. The IDF estimates that more than 2,000 Hezbollah operatives have been killed in the conflict.
Meanwhile, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump pledged to end the “suffering and destruction in Lebanon,” in an apparent appeal to Arab voters less than a week before the election. “I will fix the problems caused by Kamala Harris and Joe Biden and stop the suffering and destruction in Lebanon,” Trump tweeted, without mentioning Israel or Hezbollah.
The US administration appears eager to secure a cease-fire before the November 5 presidential election.
As mediators work toward a potential agreement, the coming days will be critical in determining whether a lasting cease-fire can be achieved. The reported willingness of Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River could be a significant step toward de-escalation, but implementation and verification remain key challenges.
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