Diplomatic sources reported that Lebanon has received a proposal through its embassy in Washington linked to efforts to secure a full and comprehensive ceasefire within 24 to 48 hours starting from midnight Saturday–Sunday, between Hezbollah and Israel.
According to the sources speaking to MTV, contacts intensified on Saturday between Lebanon and the United States, and subsequently Israel, as well as between Lebanese officials and Hezbollah through Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.
Berri reportedly informed President Joseph Aoun on Saturday evening that the idea of a ceasefire is serious, reiterating: “Bring a full ceasefire, and the rest is on me,” while expressing caution given Israel’s conduct in Gaza and southern Lebanon and its lack of compliance, according to the sources.
The sources added that the ceasefire may not be formally announced, but could instead be implemented gradually through a reduction in hostilities leading to a full halt in fighting. This approach reportedly depends on two key conditions that remain unclear:
First, Israel’s commitment to a ceasefire. It is still uncertain whether Israel will reserve the right to continue targeting any perceived threats, as stated by several officials, or whether U.S. pressure will succeed in fully restraining such actions. Lebanon, for its part, is insisting that any truce cover its entire territory.
Second, Hezbollah would be expected to allow a period of approximately two days of reduced Israeli strikes leading to a potential halt in attacks. It is also possible that Hezbollah could adopt a reciprocal approach after this short period.
Officials reportedly hope that these efforts will succeed as a “pilot period” that could serve as a foundation for a longer 45-day framework.
It remains unclear whether this initiative is the result of Lebanese–Israeli discussions, U.S.–Saudi pressure, or possibly Iranian involvement.
Significant caution remains regarding Israel’s reported insistence on negotiating under fire. Diplomatic sources are raising multiple uncertainties, including whether this “pilot period” could actually take effect.
If successful, the sources suggest it could pave the way toward meetings scheduled for May 29 and June 2–3, and potentially serve U.S. interests in separating regional files, particularly if strikes against Iran resume.
According to the sources speaking to MTV, contacts intensified on Saturday between Lebanon and the United States, and subsequently Israel, as well as between Lebanese officials and Hezbollah through Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.
Berri reportedly informed President Joseph Aoun on Saturday evening that the idea of a ceasefire is serious, reiterating: “Bring a full ceasefire, and the rest is on me,” while expressing caution given Israel’s conduct in Gaza and southern Lebanon and its lack of compliance, according to the sources.
The sources added that the ceasefire may not be formally announced, but could instead be implemented gradually through a reduction in hostilities leading to a full halt in fighting. This approach reportedly depends on two key conditions that remain unclear:
First, Israel’s commitment to a ceasefire. It is still uncertain whether Israel will reserve the right to continue targeting any perceived threats, as stated by several officials, or whether U.S. pressure will succeed in fully restraining such actions. Lebanon, for its part, is insisting that any truce cover its entire territory.
Second, Hezbollah would be expected to allow a period of approximately two days of reduced Israeli strikes leading to a potential halt in attacks. It is also possible that Hezbollah could adopt a reciprocal approach after this short period.
Officials reportedly hope that these efforts will succeed as a “pilot period” that could serve as a foundation for a longer 45-day framework.
It remains unclear whether this initiative is the result of Lebanese–Israeli discussions, U.S.–Saudi pressure, or possibly Iranian involvement.
Significant caution remains regarding Israel’s reported insistence on negotiating under fire. Diplomatic sources are raising multiple uncertainties, including whether this “pilot period” could actually take effect.
If successful, the sources suggest it could pave the way toward meetings scheduled for May 29 and June 2–3, and potentially serve U.S. interests in separating regional files, particularly if strikes against Iran resume.
