Israeli Cabinet Poised to Approve Ceasefire Deal with Lebanon Amid Ongoing Tensions

The Israeli government is expected to approve a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon later today, potentially ending a devastating conflict that has resulted in thousands of deaths. This development comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly given his preliminary approval to the proposal, according to a source familiar with the matter. The decision followed a security consultation on Sunday night, where Netanyahu hinted at supporting the deal with Hezbollah, CNN reported.

Negotiations appear to be advancing toward an agreement, but tensions remain high. Both Israel and Hezbollah continue to exchange fire, and sources involved in the talks acknowledge that a single misstep could derail the fragile discussions. Despite these risks, a Lebanese official stated on Monday evening that a ceasefire announcement is anticipated “within 24 hours.”

Lebanon has already accepted the U.S.-mediated proposal, which Hezbollah has also endorsed, according to Lebanese officials.

Even as the deal inches closer, hostilities persist. Hours before the scheduled cabinet vote, Israel intensified its airstrikes in Lebanon, targeting at least ten locations in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Later, the area was struck 20 times in just two minutes, according to an Israeli military spokesperson.

Reactions to the potential deal within Israel have been polarized. Itamar Ben Gvir, the far-right National Security Minister, condemned the agreement, labeling it a “big mistake” and a “historic missed opportunity to eradicate Hezbollah.” Ben Gvir has long opposed ceasefire agreements with groups like Hamas in Gaza.

Meanwhile, former Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who left the war cabinet earlier this year over Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza conflict, called for transparency. “It is the right of the residents of the north, the fighters, and the citizens of Israel to know,” Gantz asserted.

The proposal has also raised concerns among residents of northern Israel, many of whom have been displaced due to the conflict, as well as among those living in southern Lebanon. Nizan Zeevi, a resident of Kfar Kila village near the northern Israeli border, expressed apprehension. Speaking to CNN, Zeevi described the deal as a “surrender agreement,” adding, “Our government is going to sign a very irresponsible agreement that is only a replay of the same agreement signed to end the war in 2006.”

Zeevi fears that the ceasefire could allow Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force to reposition closer to the border. “It’s my duty to my children to make sure that there is no chance for another October 7,” he said, referencing the deadly Hamas attacks on southern Israel over a year ago.

Diplomatic efforts have been instrumental in pushing the ceasefire negotiations forward. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, who visited Beirut last week, expressed optimism about the talks. “We have a real opportunity to bring conflict to an end,” Hochstein said, emphasizing that the decision ultimately rests with the involved parties.

Hochstein described his discussions with Lebanese leaders, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati and parliament speaker Nabih Berri, as “constructive” and “very good,” adding that progress had been made in narrowing gaps. Following these meetings, he traveled to Israel to expedite the negotiations.

The U.S.-backed proposal outlines a 60-day cessation of hostilities, with hopes that this temporary measure could pave the way for a permanent ceasefire.

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby shared a cautiously optimistic outlook on Monday, stating that Hochstein’s efforts had been “constructive.” Kirby added, “The trajectory of this is going in a very positive direction,” but warned, “nothing is done until everything is done.”

Similarly, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted the challenges of the negotiations. “Just because an agreement is close does not mean it will happen,” Miller remarked, describing the process as “incredibly frustrating.”

In anticipation of the vote, Israel’s Home Front Command issued warnings about potential Hezbollah rocket fire and updated defensive guidelines for northern regions.

CNN analyst Barak Ravid, who also reports for Axios, cited sources indicating that Hochstein had urged Israel to respond positively to the proposal. According to Ravid, Hochstein warned the Israeli ambassador to Washington on Saturday that he would withdraw from mediation efforts if progress wasn’t made soon.

Lebanon’s acceptance of the U.S.-backed proposal marked a significant turning point. Mikati confirmed last week that Beirut had responded positively, noting that substantial portions of the draft agreement had already been resolved.

The current conflict escalated dramatically in mid-September when Israel launched a large-scale military offensive in Lebanon. This followed months of border skirmishes that began on October 8 of the previous year when Hezbollah attacked Israeli-controlled territory in solidarity with Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza.

Since then, Israel has conducted a ground invasion, targeted key Hezbollah leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah, one of its founders, and carried out devastating airstrikes. Thousands of people have been injured in the attacks, which reportedly included unconventional tactics like exploding pagers.

As both sides brace for a pivotal moment, the international community watches closely, hoping that the ceasefire will hold and provide a foundation for lasting peace in the region.