The Israeli government is set to approve a plan for a ceasefire with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, according to unconfirmed reports.
US and Lebanese officials have expressed optimism that a deal is possible to end over a year of conflict that intensified in September, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly agreed to its terms in principle.
Israel’s security cabinet is expected to approve the plan, brokered by the United States – Israel’s main ally – and France, at a meeting on Tuesday, newswires reported, quoting unnamed officials.
The Israeli cabinet looks set to approve a ceasefire deal in Lebanon later Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesperson said, a move that could potentially end the war that has killed thousands.
Netanyahu had approved the plan “in principle,” a source familiar with the matter told CNN on Monday, adding that the prime minister signaled his potential approval for the deal with Hezbollah during a security consultation with Israeli officials Sunday night.
Sources familiar with the negotiations said earlier that talks appear to be moving positively toward an agreement, but acknowledged that as Israel and Hezbollah continue to trade fire, one misstep could upend the talks.
The proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire that will see the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon and the removal of Hezbollah fighters and weapons from south of the Litani River.
Thousands of troops from the Lebanese Army will be deployed, and an international committee will monitor the implementation of the ceasefire.