Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he would bring a US-brokered ceasefire proposal with Hezbollah to his government for approval on Tuesday evening.
In a televised address, Netanyahu stated he would present a ceasefire outline to ministers, though the duration of the ceasefire would depend on developments in Lebanon. He warned that if Hezbollah violates the agreement by rearming, Israel would take military action.
The United States, alongside France, has been leading efforts to broker a ceasefire in Lebanon. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would continue to maintain military freedom of action, citing the multiple fronts it faces, including Gaza, the West Bank, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Iran.
Despite Netanyahu’s comments on the ceasefire, the Israeli military conducted strikes in Beirut, and the army reported that 15 projectiles from Lebanon entered Israeli airspace.
The ongoing conflict, which began with Hezbollah’s support of Hamas after the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. At least 3,823 people have died in Lebanon, and Israel has lost 82 soldiers and 47 civilians.
Netanyahu described the ceasefire as a way for Israel to shift focus on countering the Iranian threat and intensifying efforts against Hamas in Gaza. He claimed that without Hezbollah’s involvement, Hamas would be isolated, and Israel could increase pressure to secure the release of hostages taken during the October 2023 Hamas attack.
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The ceasefire proposal has faced strong opposition from hardline figures within Israel. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a member of the security cabinet, called it “a historic mistake” and rejected it, arguing that it would not address the security of northern Israel. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu for mismanaging the situation and emphasized the need for a hostage deal to bring citizens home.
A recent poll showed that public opinion in Israel is divided on the proposed ceasefire, with 37% supporting the deal, 32% opposing it, and 31% unsure. Local leaders, such as David Azoulay, mayor of Metula, have also criticized Netanyahu for pushing through a decision without broader consultation, claiming the deal would not bring lasting peace.
