In a massive step toward de-escalating the conflict in the Middle East, Lebanese official channels have confirmed that Hezbollah has accepted a US-brokered proposal for a reciprocal cessation of attacks with Israel. The sudden diplomatic breakthrough has raised global hopes for an imminent ceasefire in the region.
The Terms of the US Proposal
According to an official statement from the Lebanese embassy in Washington, the framework of the agreement calls for an immediate mutual halt to hostilities. Under the initial arrangement, Israeli forces will completely cease all airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. In exchange, the Iran-backed group Hezbollah will entirely refrain from launching cross-border operations and rocket attacks into Israeli territory.
The diplomatic mission further detailed that if this initial truce holds successfully, the framework will be expanded to encompass all Lebanese territories, ensuring a comprehensive end to the fighting.
Trump’s High-Stakes Interventions
The breakthrough follows intensive diplomatic maneuvers by US President Donald Trump, who announced that he held productive discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and high-level representatives of Hezbollah.
Trump confirmed via social media that both sides had agreed to “stop shooting” and that Israeli military personnel would not advance into Beirut. The initial agreement was finalized after a critical phone call between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Netanyahu’s Warning Remains
While Prime Minister Netanyahu endorsed the US proposal, he issued a stern warning that the pause in military action remains strictly conditional. “If Hezbollah does not stop firing at our cities and citizens, Israel will continue to strike terrorist targets in Beirut,” Netanyahu stated, emphasizing that Israeli forces remain on high alert.
Senior stakeholders and representatives from the involved nations are scheduled to meet for further discussions to formalize a lasting agreement and build upon this significant progress.
Source: BBC News