Lebanese authorities have confirmed that Hezbollah has agreed to a US proposal for a “mutual cessation of attacks” with Israel. The Lebanese presidency, citing the Lebanese embassy in Washington, stated that this confirmation came after a phone call between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The US proposal involves a reciprocal halt to attacks by both sides, with Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs ceasing in exchange for Hezbollah refraining from attacks against Israel.
Negotiation meetings are scheduled to continue building on the progress achieved, with the ceasefire framework expected to cover all of Lebanese territory. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has conveyed that Hezbollah is prepared for an immediate ceasefire with Israel, proposing a comprehensive ceasefire on the ground, in the air, and at sea. However, US officials have expressed doubts about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreeing to this proposal.
Iran has reportedly suspended the exchange of messages with Washington through mediators in protest over Israel’s actions in Lebanon. Earlier, Netanyahu and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered strikes on the Beirut suburb of Dahieh, a Hezbollah stronghold, in response to increased rocket and drone launches by Hezbollah towards Israeli military positions. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed casualties from Hezbollah’s drone attacks, including an Israeli military doctor killed and seven soldiers injured.
