Israel Poised to Vote on Lebanon Ceasefire Deal Amid Mixed Reactions, Heightened Tensions
Israel’s cabinet is set to vote on a proposed ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah in Lebanon on Tuesday, CNN reports, citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesperson.
While a source familiar with the matter indicated Netanyahu has approved the plan “in principle,” the impending vote has sparked mixed reactions within Israel and cautious optimism internationally.
The potential deal, brokered with US involvement, aims for a 60-day cessation of hostilities. While sources close to the negotiations suggest progress, they acknowledge the fragility of the situation given ongoing cross-border exchanges. A Lebanese official even predicted a ceasefire announcement within 24 hours on Monday evening.
However, the prospect of a ceasefire has been met with strong opposition from within Israel. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a far-right figure, condemned the deal as a “big mistake” and a “historic missed opportunity” to eliminate Hezbollah. His longstanding opposition to ceasefire agreements with Hamas in Gaza further highlights the deep divisions within the Israeli government.
Former Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who resigned from the war cabinet in June, has called for transparency, demanding that the details of the ceasefire agreement be made public.
US envoy Amos Hochstein, who played a key role in facilitating the discussions, described the negotiations as “constructive” and indicated a deal was “within our grasp.” While the White House expressed cautious optimism, the State Department stressed that a deal, though seemingly close, is not guaranteed. The heightened tension was underscored by Israel’s Home Front Command issuing a warning of increased Hezbollah rocket fire risk ahead of Tuesday’s vote, updating defensive guidelines for northern Israel.
The current conflict began in mid-September following months of escalating border tensions, triggered by a Hezbollah attack on Israeli-controlled territory in October 2023. Israel’s subsequent military offensive has resulted in significant casualties and damage on both sides.
