The United States, along with several allied nations, has called for a 21-day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border. This initiative aims to prevent the escalation of conflict into a broader regional war and to stimulate stalled hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
The proposal, regarded by a senior US official as an ‘important breakthrough,’ comes amidst intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The potential for this conflict to widen has raised significant concern. Consequently, diplomats and leaders have convened in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, working tirelessly over the past 48 hours to devise a ceasefire plan. While Israel and Hezbollah have not yet agreed, US officials indicated that both parties are ‘familiar’ with the proposal’s framework and expressed optimism about its public disclosure.
In a joint statement released late Wednesday, the involved nations highlighted the critical nature of the situation. ‘The situation between Lebanon and Israel since 8 October 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon,’ the statement read.
President Joe Biden confirmed the plan’s endorsement by the United States, alongside Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. ‘We were able to generate significant support from Europe, as well as the Arab nations,’ Biden stated, emphasizing the importance of preventing the war from expanding.
The immediate goal of the agreement is to de-escalate tensions and enable residents along the border to return to their homes in both Israel and Lebanon. Additionally, officials hope that the proposed ceasefire will ‘open up diplomatic space’ and ‘galvanise’ a stalled ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, potentially leading to the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
The plan is the culmination of what one Biden administration official described as ‘an all-out effort by the administration’ to halt hostilities as the conflict threatens to escalate. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has actively engaged with both Arab and European partners to refine the proposal. President Biden has been discussing the growing hostilities in the Middle East with various world leaders during the General Assembly.
Blinken’s intensive diplomatic efforts at the UN gathering included preliminary discussions with his G7 counterparts and meetings with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who conveyed details to Hezbollah. The United States has communicated with Hezbollah via mediators for several days. Additionally, Blinken secured backing from the Qatari and Saudi foreign ministers during the Gulf Cooperation Council meeting. Further support was obtained from the political directors of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
US officials remained hopeful on Wednesday night that both sides would accept the ceasefire deal. However, concerns persist regarding each party’s commitment to adhere to the agreement. After months of challenging negotiations to end the Gaza conflict and free hostages, officials believe that this new proposal could revitalise stalled discussions. One official stated, ‘It buys some time and space to try to pursue an arrangement in Gaza and the hostage deal we’ve been discussing.’
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot addressed the United Nations Security Council, expressing France’s collaboration with the US to secure the 21-day ceasefire. Barrot indicated that details would soon be made public and noted his upcoming visit to Beirut for further discussions with local stakeholders. The effort gained momentum following a conversation on Monday between US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and top Israeli official Ron Dermer.
Despite the ceasefire efforts, Israel’s military is preparing for a potential ground incursion into Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorised engagement with US efforts, provided the agreement facilitates the return of Israeli civilians to their homes in northern Israel. Hezbollah has conditioned a halt in rocket fire on achieving quiet in Gaza, while Israel has aimed to manage the two fronts as separate conflicts. The White House has maintained that a Gaza ceasefire could unlock broader diplomatic advances, including with Hezbollah.
American and international officials remain proactive, aiming first to address the escalating conflict in Lebanon before refocusing on the Gaza ceasefire. Although optimism persists, previous ceasefire efforts have often collapsed. US officials are uncertain whether Netanyahu or Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar currently have the political resolve to agree to a Gaza ceasefire. Speaking on ABC’s ‘The View,’ President Biden hinted at ongoing talks, asserting, ‘There is a way to do it… it can move into dealing with the West Bank, but we also have Gaza to deal with… I am using every bit of energy I have with my team to get this done.’
The proposed 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon represents a significant diplomatic endeavour to prevent broader regional conflict and advance stalled negotiations in Gaza. While challenges remain in securing agreement and adherence from all parties involved, the proposal demonstrates a concerted international effort towards achieving stability in the region.
