A Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Deal Is Close: Report (image @hrw)

Beirut, Lebanon: Reportedly, a Lebanon-Israel ceasefire deal is close. Lebanon’s deputy speaker of Parliament, Elias Bou Saab, said that there were “no serious obstacles” left to start the implementation of a US-proposed 60-day truce to end the Israel-Hezbollah war. He made the comment while speaking to Reuters.

According to media reports, the deal would entail the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 17-01, which will see Hezbollah withdraw north of the Litani River. It would see the Lebanese Army deploy in large numbers south of the river and protect the border with Israel.

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As per the Israeli report, there would also be a mechanism presided over by the United States to ensure that Hezbollah does not rearm again.

Washington has pushed for a ceasefire deal to call an end to the hostility between Hezbollah and Israel, which started to escalate when Israel started a war on Gaza, following the Hamas attack on Tel Aviv on last October 7. The conflict transformed into a full-fledged war when Israel started to pound Lebanon two months ago.

Bou Saab said the sticking point in the ceasefire deal on who will monitor the process has been resolved in the last 24 hours by agreeing to set up a five-country committee, including France and chaired by the United States.

Israel has earlier objected to the participation of France due to its support for the ICC warrant against Netanyahu and [former Defence Minister] Yoav Gallant.

A Lebanese official and Western diplomat told Reuters that the US had informed Lebanese officials a ceasefire could be announced “within hours.” Israeli officials also said that a ceasefire deal is closer, though some issues remain.

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Another major sticking point had been the sequencing of Israel’s withdrawal, the Lebanese army’s deployment, and the return of displaced Lebanese to their homes in southern Lebanon.

People are waiting, holding their breath, fear and hope intertwined. Hope for an end to the brutal bombing in Lebanon is huge, while the fear of last-minute details and the last-minute discussions might tumble down also loom large. Reportedly, some cities in Israel have restricted movement, fearing last-minute escalation before a ceasefire.