A senior US mediator, Special Envoy Amos Hochstein, expressed optimism on Tuesday about the possibility of reaching a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. Hochstein, who arrived in Lebanon to help end the ongoing conflict, said the potential for peace was “within our grasp” after productive talks with Lebanese leaders, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.
Despite continued fighting, with rockets fired into northern Israel and casualties reported on both sides, Hochstein emphasized that significant progress had been made in narrowing the gaps between the two sides. He noted that while some technical details remained unresolved, a ceasefire agreement was a real opportunity.
The proposed deal would see both Hezbollah and Israeli ground forces withdraw from southern Lebanon, with a strengthened UN peacekeeping force and Lebanese troops taking up a more prominent role in a buffer zone along the border. However, key sticking points remain, including the enforcement mechanisms and military freedom of action for Israel in the region.
Hezbollah has escalated its rocket attacks on northern Israel since the conflict began in October 2023, drawing Israel’s military into southern Lebanon. Despite the heavy toll on both sides, Hochstein remains hopeful that diplomatic efforts can bring an end to the hostilities.
