An Israeli air strike on Khiam, South Lebanon, on Sept. 30, 2024. (Credit: AFP)
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen, a member of the security cabinet, stated Wednesday that discussions are underway within the cabinet on the terms of a cease-fire with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, where the Israeli army is conducting a ground offensive. “There are discussions; I think it will take more time,” he told Israeli public radio.
Israeli television Channel 12 reported Tuesday evening discussions between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a limited number of officials regarding a potential 60-day truce. Israel’s conditions reportedly include Hezbollah’s withdrawal north of the Litani River, deployment of the Lebanese army along the Israeli border, an international mechanism for enforcing the cease-fire and assurance that Israel would maintain freedom of action if threatened.
Israel “in a position of strength”
“Thanks to all (army) operations in recent months, and especially recent weeks, we are discussing a diplomatic agreement, and Israel can enter these talks in a position of strength, following the elimination of Hezbollah’s leadership and significant damage to over 2,000 Hezbollah terrorist infrastructures,” Cohen said.
According to Israeli media, Brett McGurk, U.S. President Joe Biden’s Middle East advisor, and special envoy Amos Hochstein are set to leave the United States Wednesday to meet with the Israeli prime minister and other officials to discuss conditions for a potential cease-fire with Hezbollah.
The Israeli army launched a ground offensive in southern Lebanon on Sept. 30, displacing at least 60,000 residents from the north. Since Oct. 8, 2023, Israel has conducted daily strikes on Lebanon, killing over 2,700 people.
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