Israeli Cabinet Poised to Approve Ceasefire Deal with Lebanon
The Israeli cabinet is expected to approve a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon later today, according to a spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The deal aims to bring an end to the ongoing conflict that has claimed thousands of lives.
Netanyahu has given his approval “in principle,” a source familiar with the matter revealed to CNN. The prime minister indicated his support for the proposed agreement with Hezbollah during a security meeting with Israeli officials on Sunday night.
Negotiations appear to be progressing positively, sources close to the talks disclosed. However, with exchanges of fire continuing between Israel and Hezbollah, there remains a risk that any misstep could derail the discussions.
By Monday evening, a Lebanese official involved in the negotiations stated that a ceasefire announcement was imminent, possibly within 24 hours. Lebanon has already endorsed the U.S.-backed proposal, which has also received Hezbollah’s approval, according to multiple Lebanese sources.
The possibility of a ceasefire has sparked mixed reactions in Israel. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticized the deal, calling it a “historic missed opportunity to eliminate Hezbollah” and labeling it a “big mistake.” Ben Gvir has been a vocal opponent of past ceasefire agreements between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who stepped down from Israel’s war cabinet in June over Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza conflict, urged the prime minister to make the terms of the ceasefire public. “The residents of the north, the fighters, and the citizens of Israel have a right to know,” Gantz stated.
Residents of northern Israel, many displaced by the conflict, have also expressed concerns about the agreement. Nizan Zeevi, who resides near Kyriat Shimona in Kfar Kila, described the deal as a “surrender agreement.”
“Our government is repeating the same mistakes as the 2006 agreement,” Zeevi told CNN, expressing fears that the ceasefire would eventually allow Hezbollah fighters, including the Radwan Force, to return near the border. “I must ensure my children’s safety, so there’s no chance for another October 7,” he said, referencing the deadly Hamas attacks on southern Israel more than a year ago.
Both nations now await confirmation of the ceasefire deal, which could mark a significant turning point in the protracted conflict.