Diplomatic efforts to secure a cease-fire in Lebanon amidst heavy Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds showed hopeful progress on Friday. Israel intensified its attacks on Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut for three consecutive days, resulting in civilian casualties in Baalbek. On the other hand, the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon submitted a draft truce proposal to Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri, offering a 13-point plan aimed at implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and calling for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces followed by Hezbollah moving north of the Litani River.
Lebanon expressed concerns that Israel might back out like it did in September, but is hopeful for progress in the next 72 hours. Israel also remains cautiously optimistic about a potential agreement, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly aiming to secure a cease-fire to gain favor with President-elect Donald Trump. Despite months of failed U.S. mediation, there is potential for a breakthrough as Hezbollah signals willingness to withdraw its forces from the border under a ceasefire.
Resolution 1701 remains a key basis for any agreement, with tensions around control of border areas being a central point of contention. The U.N. is prepared to support Lebanon’s compliance with the resolution but would not directly enforce the cease-fire. The conflict has already caused significant devastation in Lebanon, with over 3,000 reported casualties, and an estimated $8.5 billion in economic losses. Both sides have suffered civilian deaths, highlighting the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict to prevent further loss of life and damage.
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