Efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Lebanon have intensified over the past few hours, as confirmed by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s office. The office stated that ongoing communication between the United States and France is aimed at reviving a ceasefire proposal between Hezbollah and Israel.
During the UN General Assembly last month, US President Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron put forward a 21-day ceasefire proposal. However, three days after the proposal, Israel's assassination of Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah and subsequent intensive attacks on the group disrupted the peace talks.
Prior to the assassination, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had publicly rejected the idea of a ceasefire. The situation worsened when Iran, a supporter of Hezbollah, launched a series of missile attacks on Israel last week, further diminishing the prospects for a truce.
According to Mikati’s office, efforts are underway to revive the declaration of a ceasefire for a specific period to facilitate the search for political solutions. Mikati also expressed readiness to implement the 2006 Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for a permanent ceasefire and cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. The resolution mandates the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces to the north of the Litani River in Lebanon, with only the Lebanese military holding positions in the border area.
In a significant development, Hezbollah’s senior official Naim Qassem announced the group's support for ceasefire initiatives led by Shia allies within Lebanon. This marks the first public endorsement of a truce by Hezbollah that is not contingent on halting the conflict in Gaza.
