A top U.S. envoy to the Middle East indicated progress in negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah regarding a cease-fire proposal, which, if agreed upon, could alleviate hostilities in a region already tense due to Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Amos Hochstein, speaking at a news conference in Beirut, Lebanon, noted that the gaps between the two sides had “narrowed” in recent discussions, although he emphasized that any outcomes would ultimately depend on the parties involved. “We have a real opportunity to bring this conflict to an end,” he stated, adding that such an outcome is “within our grasp.”
Hochstein’s visit was seen as a positive sign that U.S. efforts to broker a truce were advancing. He met with Nabih Berri, the Lebanese Parliament speaker, who serves as a crucial intermediary between the U.S. and Hezbollah.
Despite claims of progress, it remains unclear whether the discussions have resolved all details. Previous U.S.-led cease-fire negotiations stalled in September as the conflict escalated.
Last week, the U.S. presented Lebanon with terms for a new cease-fire plan developed by Israeli and American officials. According to Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, the initial response from Lebanese officials and Hezbollah was “positive,” but further discussions were necessary on certain points.
The Lebanese government is advocating for the revival of a U.N. resolution that concluded the last significant war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006. Although the agreement was deemed a failure in the years following, it is now viewed as a potential framework for ending the current fighting.
This resolution mandates Hezbollah's withdrawal from southern Lebanon, allowing only the Lebanese military and U.N. peacekeepers to operate in the area south of the Litani River, approximately 20 miles north of the Israeli border. However, the enforcement of Hezbollah's withdrawal remains uncertain, as both the Lebanese Army and U.N. peacekeepers have generally avoided confrontations with Hezbollah fighters.
Israeli officials have previously sought guarantees that Israel could continue military actions against Hezbollah within Lebanon if deemed necessary, a condition rejected by Lebanese officials.
Hochstein’s visit occurs amid intensified Israeli military actions aimed at pressuring Hezbollah to accept cease-fire terms. Recent Israeli airstrikes in central Beirut resulted in at least five fatalities and 24 injuries, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The Israeli military confirmed one strike targeting Mohammed Afif, the head of Hezbollah’s media office, who was killed in the attack.
In the past week, Israel has also intensified bombardments in the Dahiya area, governed by Hezbollah, and has made deeper incursions into southern Lebanon.
Despite official statements suggesting progress in cease-fire talks, many Lebanese citizens express skepticism about the likelihood of a resolution. “We have no trust in negotiations, no hope of an imminent cease-fire,” stated Zeinab Atwi, who lost her cousin in a recent airstrike.
Atwi described the pervasive sense of insecurity in Beirut, stating, “There is nowhere safe left in Beirut.”
Other developments continue to unfold as the situation remains fluid.