Amid relentless Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah retaliation, faint glimmers of hope for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah have emerged. U.S.-backed diplomatic efforts gained traction on Thursday, as Lebanon’s parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, received a draft truce proposal via U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea, signaling a critical step in the ongoing crisis.
Israel Intensifies Bombardment in Lebanon
Israel’s military launched another round of heavy airstrikes on Thursday, targeting Hezbollah-controlled areas near Beirut, including the Dahiyeh suburb. Plumes of smoke rose over the area as five buildings were obliterated, according to sources familiar with the damage. Eastern Lebanon’s Baalbek also bore the brunt of Israeli firepower, with at least 20 people reported dead. The southern towns of Lebanon saw an additional 11 casualties in aerial bombardments.
The Israeli military stated that the strikes were focused on weapons warehouses, Hezbollah command centers, and other military targets. The offensive, now in its third day of intensified strikes on Beirut suburbs, underscores Israel’s intent to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.
U.S. Truce Proposal: A Ray of Hope
As violence escalated, diplomatic channels showed signs of progress. The U.S. draft proposal submitted to Lebanese officials is the first written truce plan in weeks. While details remain sparse, Lebanese sources indicated that the proposal is under review and awaiting feedback from Beirut.
Eli Cohen, Israel’s energy minister and a member of its security cabinet, struck an optimistic tone. “I think we are closer to an arrangement than we have been since the start of the war,” Cohen told Reuters, suggesting a breakthrough could be near.
Hezbollah’s Role and Sticking Points
Hezbollah’s involvement in the ceasefire process remains a critical element. Ali Hassan Khalil, a senior Lebanese official, hinted that the group may withdraw its forces from the Lebanon-Israel border under a truce agreement. However, Israel’s demand for operational freedom to act if Hezbollah reoccupies border areas remains a contentious issue.
Khalil asserted Lebanon’s readiness to comply with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates the removal of armed Hezbollah fighters from southern Lebanon. The resolution was the cornerstone of the 2006 ceasefire, though its implementation has been a point of contention for years.
Economic and Humanitarian Toll
The conflict’s toll on Lebanon has been catastrophic. The World Bank estimates the cost of physical destruction and economic losses at $8.5 billion. Lebanon, already grappling with a financial crisis, faces a humanitarian disaster exacerbated by continued hostilities. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, Israeli strikes have claimed at least 3,386 lives since October 7, 2023. In northern Israel, Hezbollah attacks have killed approximately 100 people, including civilians and soldiers.
International Mediation and Challenges Ahead
The U.S. and other international powers are pushing for a ceasefire rooted in U.N. Resolution 1701. The United Nations is prepared to bolster its peacekeeping mission in Lebanon to assist the Lebanese army during a truce, but it will not directly enforce the ceasefire, according to U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix.
Lebanon has expressed openness to U.S. and French involvement in monitoring compliance, potentially easing concerns on both sides. However, the success of these efforts hinges on bridging key differences, including Israel’s insistence on operational freedom and Lebanon’s demand for strict adherence to the terms of the 2006 resolution.
Outlook: A Fragile Path Forward
With both nations locked in a cycle of violence, the U.S. draft proposal offers a potential turning point. Yet, historical grievances, political complexities, and ongoing hostilities make a durable peace far from guaranteed. As the world watches, the next few days will be critical in determining whether diplomacy can overcome decades of mistrust and bring stability to one of the Middle East’s most volatile regions.
