Israel ‘opposes French involvement’ in ceasefire as agreement nears

Since then, Israel has opposed French participation in the committee overseeing the ceasefire, complicating negotiations. France has deep ties with Lebanon, having administered the country after the fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1920.

Israeli media reported that the country had agreed in principle to a US ceasefire proposal that would end the war on the condition that Israel could respond militarily to violations of the agreement in coordination with Washington.

Lebanon opposed giving Israel such freedom to strike within its borders, arguing against any violations of sovereignty.

The US ceasefire proposal, based largely on UN Security Council Resolution 1701, states that Israel must withdraw its forces from Lebanon as Hezbollah withdraws its forces from southern Lebanon.

Instead, the Lebanese army will be deployed near the border with Israel to prevent Hezbollah from regrouping and rearming. Washington will chair an oversight committee responsible for monitoring Hezbollah activities in Lebanon.

“Cautious Hope”

The Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz reported that the ceasefire would be completed in several stages, ultimately leading to negotiations on the land border between the two countries, which remain disputed.

“There are cautious hopes for a ceasefire, but a lot can go wrong by then,” the Israeli official added.

The Israeli security cabinet, whose officials have expressed opposition to the agreement with Hezbollah in recent months, would have to vote on the ceasefire agreement.

Hezbollah began attacking Israel on October 8 in solidarity with Hamas and has since fired at least 13,000 rockets, drones and missiles at its neighbor, killing 44 civilians and 31 soldiers.

Israel has carried out thousands of airstrikes and attacks against the terrorist group across Lebanon, killing over 3,500 people, most of whom are believed to be members of Hezbollah.