US government notes progress in Lebanon ceasefire talks and Israel, said White House national security spokesman John Kirby,quoted by Reuters. According to him, the talks are constructive and moving in a positive direction, BTA reports.
„We are close”, Kirby emphasized, but cautioned that nothing is final until the agreement is officially announced.
The French presidency also confirmed significant progress in the negotiations. The statement from the Elysée Palace underscored the importance of ongoing efforts, with the expectation that coordinated work between Washington and Paris will lead to success soon.
Expected Armistice Announcement
Senior Lebanese sources say US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron may announce a ceasefire within 36 hours. American representatives have already informed Beirut about the possibility of the agreement becoming a reality “within a few hours”.
Israel's security cabinet is expected to consider the proposal tomorrow.
Military Escalation
As diplomatic efforts progress, Israeli airstrikes against "Hezbollah" in the southern suburbs of Beirut continue with intensity, notes Reuters. These strikes underscore the fragile situation in the region, despite signs of a diplomatic breakthrough.
The pending ceasefire agreement could end the current escalation between Israel and "Hezbollah". However, it remains unclear whether all sides will agree to the terms, testing the ability of international diplomacy to contain tensions.