The Israeli ambassador to the United States has indicated that a cease-fire agreement aimed at halting hostilities between Israel and the Hezbollah organization, based in Lebanon, could potentially be finalized in just a matter of days.
Ambassador Mike Herzog shared his thoughts during an interview on Israeli Army Radio, emphasizing that while there are still “points to finalize,” reaching an agreement necessitates government approval. He expressed optimism, suggesting, “we are close to a deal,” and added that its fruition could occur soon.
One of the critical points left to negotiate involves Israel’s insistence on retaining the right to take action should Hezbollah breach the terms of any forthcoming agreement. The proposed deal aims to ensure that both Hezbollah and Israeli forces pull back from southern Lebanon.
Tensions have historical roots, as Hezbollah previously did not comply with a U.N. resolution that brought an end to the 2006 conflict between the two groups, which included similar stipulations. Israel harbors concerns that Hezbollah might launch attacks reminiscent of those from Hamas, particularly if the militant group maintains a significant foothold in the region. Conversely, Lebanon has accused Israel of violating the same 2006 resolution.
It remains uncertain whether Lebanon will acquiesce to Israel’s demand concerning enforcement rights within the potential agreement.
The recent enthusiasm regarding the possibility of a cease-fire arises after a senior U.S. envoy engaged in discussions with both parties last week, aimed at securing a resolution.
Hezbollah instigated hostilities against Israel on October 8, 2023, following Hamas’s incursion into southern Israel, thus igniting over a year of escalating conflict. By September, the situation deteriorated into a full-scale war, characterized by extensive Israeli air strikes in Lebanon, followed by a ground invasion into the southern region of the country.
Throughout this period, Hezbollah has launched thousands of rockets targeting Israeli territories, with an estimated 250 rockets fired on Sunday alone.
Furthermore, in a separate development, Iran’s supreme leader has made a controversial statement suggesting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ought to face a death sentence due to his involvement in the protracted conflicts in Gaza against Hamas and in Lebanon.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made these assertions during a gathering with members of the Basij, Iran’s volunteer paramilitary faction, on Monday.
Khamenei pointed to the International Criminal Court’s issuance of an arrest warrant for both Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, arguing that the military actions taken by Israel in both Gaza and Lebanon constitute war crimes.
He asserted, “What the Zionist regime did in Gaza and Lebanon is not a victory; it is a war crime. Now they have issued a warrant for their arrest. This is not enough!” He maintained that Netanyahu and other leaders of the Israeli government should face capital punishment.
It is worth noting that the International Criminal Court, based in The Hague, does not impose death sentences.
Khamenei further suggested that allies of Iran in the so-called “Axis of Resistance,” including Hamas and Hezbollah, would emerge more powerful as a consequence of the ongoing conflicts.
He remarked, “The idiots should not think that bombing houses and hospitals in Gaza and Lebanon is a victory. The enemy has not become the winner in Gaza and Lebanon, and it will not be a winner.”