Progress in Lebanon Ceasefire Negotiations: 60-Day Adjustment Period Proposed

Negotiations on a Lebanon ceasefire are reportedly in advanced stages, with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein expected to visit Israel and Lebanon before the November 5 U.S. elections to finalize the deal. The proposed agreement includes a 60-day adjustment period in which both the IDF and Hezbollah would withhold fire. During this period, the Lebanese army will deploy thousands of troops along the border, and Hezbollah forces will be restricted to positions north of the Litani River.

The deal emphasizes an expanded enforcement of UN Resolution 1701, calling for a buffer zone free of Hezbollah south of the Litani. UNIFIL will boost its presence, with support from French, British, and German forces under discussion. An international supervision mechanism will oversee compliance, allowing the IDF to act if Hezbollah violates the terms and the Lebanese army or UNIFIL fail to respond.

Russia has signaled a willingness to support the agreement, playing a supervisory role in Lebanon and Syria. Israel aims to engage directly with Russia to stabilize the region, reducing reliance on U.S. support. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are coordinating efforts with U.S. officials to bring additional nations into the supervision framework.