Lebanon is currently assessing a ceasefire proposal supported by the U.S., as Israel continues its airstrikes south of Beirut. According to The Washington Post, high-ranking officials in Lebanon are evaluating the plan, which is based on U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701.
The proposal calls for Hezbollah’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, leaving only U.N. peacekeepers and the Lebanese military to operate in the region along the Israeli border.
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson presented the plan to the Lebanese government on Thursday night. A Lebanese official, who spoke with CNN, mentioned that a response might come by Monday.
Israeli Prime Minister emphasizes self-defense in any potential ceasefire agreement
Meanwhile, Israel has been conducting airstrikes in southern Lebanon, including on the Beirut suburbs on Saturday. The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders for residents living near Hezbollah facilities.
The conflict began when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in October of the previous year in solidarity with Hamas. Israel intensified its response, leading to ground incursions by its military starting in September, and Hezbollah retaliated, displacing thousands in northern Israel.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry has reported more than 3,400 deaths and over 14,500 injuries in the country, though the figures do not specify the number of combatants versus civilians.
In late October, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed senior U.S. officials that any ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah must allow Israel to defend itself and ensure the safe return of citizens to northern Israel.
