Israeli cabinet debates Hezbollah ceasefire as ministers object

Israel’s security cabinet held a late-night meeting on Wednesday to deliberate a temporary ceasefire with the Lebanese Hezbollah group following a US request, according to Israeli media. The public broadcaster KAN reported that several ministers expressed opposition to the American proposal during the discussions.

Ceasefire could come within days

An unnamed Israeli source told KAN that “advanced negotiations are underway for a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah,” adding that the truce could take effect within the coming days. There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah. According to KAN, the US proposal was first raised on Tuesday during Washington talks between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors.

Security establishment wants continued ground ops

The broadcaster said Israel’s security establishment believes the army should continue ground operations in southern Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah south of the Litani River. Israel may later consider reducing airstrikes in areas where the Lebanese army is deployed, while discussions on a gradual Israeli withdrawal could follow if political talks progress. Over 2,000 people have been killed and one million displaced since March 2, when Hezbollah retaliated in support of Tehran following the start of the Iran war.