Israel cabinet to meet to discuss Lebanon ceasefire deal

The Israeli cabinet will meet today to discuss approval of a ceasefire to temporarily end hostilities with the Lebanese militia Hezbollah.

According to media reports, the proposed truce would reportedly be for an initial period of 60 days and include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon.

In return, Hezbollah would end its presence south of the Litani River, about 30km (18 miles) north of the international border, and be replaced by Lebanese Army troops.

Ministers are expected to vote on the deal during the meeting today.

Reuters news agency cited a senior Israeli official saying the meeting was intended to approve the agreement's text.

The news agency also reported four senior Lebanese sources saying the US and France - a long-term ally of Lebanon - were expected to announce a ceasefire imminently.

According to Israel's Channel 12, the possible deal includes: - A mutual ceasefire - An IDF presence in Lebanon for up to 60 days - The Lebanese Army replacing the IDF as it withdraws - No Israeli-occupied buffer zone in southern Lebanon - The US heading the five-country committee set up to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire - The Lebanese government overseeing arms purchases and production in the country

In addition, the US would issue a letter recognising Israel's right to attack Lebanon if Hezbollah is perceived to be in violation of the agreement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to have agreed to the deal in principle.

The Lebanese Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Elias Bou Saab, told Reuters that there were now no serious obstacles to a ceasefire unless Netanyahu changed his mind.

Lebanese authorities have said any ceasefire deal should be limited to the terms of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel.

The resolution includes the withdrawal of Hezbollah’s fighters and weapons in areas between the Blue Line - the unofficial frontier between Lebanon and Israel - and the Litani River, about 30km (18 miles) from the boundary with Israel.

Israel says that was never fully respected, while Lebanon says Israeli violations included military flights over Lebanese territory.

Source: BBC