A cease-fire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel is reportedly nearing finalization and could be declared within the next 36 hours if ongoing negotiations remain on track, Lebanese parliamentarian Qassem Hashem stated on Monday.
"The atmosphere is positive, and cease-fire discussions have reached an advanced stage. It's only a matter of hours before an agreement is finalized and announced if progress continues as expected," Hashem, a member of the Development and Liberation parliamentary bloc led by Speaker Nabih Berri, told Anadolu Agency.
The potential agreement aligns with reports that Israel's security cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to approve a cease-fire deal with Hezbollah. Lebanon's Al Jadeed television channel also reported late Monday that Lebanon had been officially informed about the deal. However, the Lebanese government has chosen to remain silent for now to ensure the success of the agreement. While some minor details remain under discussion, they are not expected to impact the core terms of the agreement.
Hashem emphasized that Lebanon would announce the cease-fire only after the United States formally confirms the deal. "If sincere intentions prevail, the process will follow its natural course. Within the next 36 hours, we expect a finalized agreement," he said.
Although cautiously optimistic, Hashem acknowledged Israel's unpredictability, describing it as "an unruly and reckless adversary." Nonetheless, he noted that international support for the cease-fire is strong, creating favorable conditions for its success.
The talks have been guided by the framework of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006 to end hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel following a 33-day conflict. Hashem confirmed Lebanon's commitment to its reservations regarding the US-backed proposal and its intent to implement Resolution 1701.
The negotiations have been bolstered by recent mediation efforts led by US envoy Amos Hochstein, who visited both Lebanon and Israel last week.
The agreement comes against a backdrop of escalating violence. Since late 2023, Israel has intensified airstrikes in Lebanon, targeting what it claims are Hezbollah positions. The year-long conflict, sparked by the Gaza war, has left more than 3,760 people dead, nearly 15,700 injured, and over a million displaced in Lebanon, according to Lebanese health authorities. On October 1, 2024, Israel further escalated the conflict by launching a ground offensive into southern Lebanon.
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