Israeli Cabinet weighs ceasefire with Hezbollah amid opposition from several ministers

Israel’s security cabinet convened late Wednesday to discuss a temporary ceasefire with the Lebanese Hezbollah group following a US request, amid opposition from several ministers, according to Israeli media.

Israel’s public broadcaster KAN said the cabinet meeting focused on a proposed temporary ceasefire with Hezbollah, adding that a number of ministers expressed opposition to the US request.

An unnamed Israeli source told KAN that “advanced negotiations are underway for a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.”

The source said the ceasefire could take effect within the coming days.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah.

According to KAN, the US proposal was first raised Tuesday during talks in Washington between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors.

The broadcaster said Israel’s security establishment believes the army should continue its ground operations in southern Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah south of the Litani River.

It added that Israel may later consider reducing airstrikes in areas where the Lebanese army is deployed, while discussions on a gradual Israeli withdrawal could come at a later stage if political talks between Israel and Lebanon progress.

Over 2,000 people have been killed and 1 million displaced due to Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2. The latest assault began soon after start of the Iran war as Hezbollah retaliated in support of Tehran.

*Writing by Tarek Chouiref