The Lebanese side is expected to seek a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the southern parts of the country as part of the ongoing peace talks in Washington, with Israel brokered by US President Donald Trump. While the terms of the ceasefire have been finalised, they are yet to come into force on the ground, officials said on Thursday.
Israel has demanded and insisted on retaining the freedom to manoeuvre in southern Lebanon to target Hezbollah assets and officials. According to officials, Hezbollah is keen on securing guarantees that Israel will actually withdraw from the south as part of the ceasefire agreement.
“Hezbollah… in response to this ceasefire announcement, will say: What’s going to be the guarantee if we leave the south that Israel will withdraw from the south of Lebanon? What’s the guarantee that they will respect the sovereignty of Lebanon and not attack us in the southern suburbs of Beirut or somewhere else?” a source well-informed about the developments informed.
Since, limited information is being released by the two sides, the most accurate details about the ceasefire are coming from sources in Washington.
According to White House officials, Hezbollah is not directly involved in the peace talks, raising serious questions about the possible implementation of the ceasefire in the region. However, it is confirmed that both Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire, the terms of which are being finalised by the US.
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