Israel ‘objects to France’ becoming involved in a ceasefire as an agreement approaches

Israel has since opposed France joining the ceasefire monitoring committee, complicating negotiations. France has close ties with Lebanon, having governed the nation after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1920.

Israeli media reported that the country has agreed in principle to a US ceasefire proposal that would end the war provided Israel can respond militarily to violations of the agreement in consultation with Washington.

Lebanon has objected to Israel being given such freedom to attack within its borders, arguing against any violation of sovereignty.

The US ceasefire proposal, which is largely built on UN Security Council Resolution 1701, says Israel should withdraw its troops from Lebanon, just as Hezbollah is removing its forces from southern Lebanon.

Instead, the Lebanese army would be deployed near the border with Israel to prevent Hezbollah from regrouping and rearming. Washington will head a monitoring committee charged with overseeing Hezbollah’s activities in Lebanon.

‘Cautious hope’

Ha’aretz, the Israeli newspaper, reported that the ceasefire would be completed in several stages, eventually leading to negotiations over the land border between the two countries, which remain contentious.

“There is tentative hope for a ceasefire and a lot could go wrong until then,” the Israeli official added.

A ceasefire deal would have to be voted on by Israel’s security cabinet, where officials have expressed opposition to a deal with Hezbollah in recent months.

Hezbollah began attacking Israel on October 8 in solidarity with Hamas and has since fired at least 13,000 missiles, drones and rockets into its neighbor, killing 44 civilians and 31 soldiers.

Israel has launched thousands of airstrikes and attacks against the terror group across Lebanon, killing more than 3,500 people, most of whom are believed to be members of Hezbollah.