Diplomacy – Lebanon Reports Progress Toward Possible Israel-Hezbollah Truce
Diplomacy – Lebanon has announced a significant diplomatic development after authorities confirmed that Hezbollah has accepted a United States-backed proposal aimed at ending ongoing hostilities with Israel. The announcement came through a statement issued by the Lebanese presidency, citing information provided by Lebanon’s embassy in Washington.
Discussions Between Beirut and Washington
According to the statement, the latest progress followed a telephone conversation between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the discussion, both sides reviewed the security situation in Lebanon and explored ways to reduce tensions along the Israel-Lebanon front.
Lebanese officials said the American proposal is based on a reciprocal halt to military actions by both parties. The framework seeks to create conditions for a broader de-escalation after months of heightened confrontation and cross-border exchanges.
Details of the Proposed Arrangement
Under the initial phase of the proposal, Israeli military operations targeting Beirut’s southern suburbs would be suspended. In return, Hezbollah would stop launching attacks against Israel. Lebanese diplomatic sources indicated that the arrangement could later be expanded to include all regions of Lebanon if the first stage is successfully implemented.
The Lebanese embassy also stated that US President Donald Trump informed Lebanon’s ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Mouawad, that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to the proposed plan. Following that communication, Mouawad relayed the information to President Aoun, who subsequently informed Hezbollah about the development.
Further Negotiations Expected
Diplomatic efforts are expected to continue in the coming days. Lebanese officials said meetings scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday will focus on advancing discussions and addressing remaining issues related to the proposed ceasefire.
The latest developments have raised cautious optimism among officials involved in mediation efforts, although several political and security challenges remain unresolved.
Parliament Speaker Signals Readiness for Ceasefire
Separately, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri reportedly informed representatives of the Trump administration that Hezbollah is prepared to support a complete and immediate ceasefire. According to reports citing Berri’s senior adviser Ali Hamdan, the message was conveyed through US Ambassador to Beirut Michel Issa.
Hamdan stated that Hezbollah would be willing to fully comply with a comprehensive agreement and that Lebanese leadership was prepared to help ensure its implementation.
Berri’s proposal reportedly includes a halt to military activities on land, at sea and in the air. The plan also calls for Israel to stop demolishing residential properties in southern Lebanon as part of the broader arrangement.
Questions Remain Over Implementation
Despite the reported progress, some American and Israeli officials remain uncertain about whether guarantees offered by Lebanese political figures would be sufficient to ensure full compliance by Hezbollah.
However, Berri remains one of Lebanon’s most influential Shia political leaders and is widely regarded as maintaining strong communication channels with Hezbollah, making him a key figure in ongoing negotiations.
Regional Tensions Continue
While diplomatic contacts continue, military activity has not completely stopped. Iranian media reported that Tehran suspended indirect communications with Washington through mediators, citing concerns over Israel’s actions in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that military operations had been ordered against targets in Beirut’s Dahieh district, an area considered a major Hezbollah stronghold. The action followed increased rocket and drone attacks directed at Israeli military positions.
The Israel Defense Forces also reported that an Israeli military doctor was killed and seven soldiers were wounded after two explosive drones launched by Hezbollah struck simultaneously. The incident underscored the fragile security situation and highlighted the urgency of ongoing ceasefire efforts.