**What’s Preventing a Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah?**

Sticking Points in Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Talks

Diplomats and officials highlight several obstacles to a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, despite seemingly favorable conditions for an agreement.

Israel’s military has eliminated nearly all of Hezbollah’s top leadership, yet the group continues to launch missiles into Israel. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Israelis displaced from the border are urging the government to facilitate their return. Globally, there’s mounting pressure to prevent the regional conflict from escalating after over a year of hostilities.

Tensions escalated following a recent visit by a U.S. mediator. Over the weekend, Israel struck central Beirut, and Hezbollah responded with its most intense missile barrage in weeks as both sides intensified pressure to negotiate.

Since October 8, 2023, the day after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, Israel and Hezbollah have engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire, further fueling the conflict initially triggered by the war in Gaza.

Two months ago, Israel initiated a large-scale bombardment of Lebanon, followed by a ground invasion. The conflict has resulted in over 3,500 deaths in Lebanon, the majority of them civilians. In Israel, more than 70 people have been killed, including over 40 civilians. Additionally, the ground offensive has claimed the lives of more than 50 Israeli soldiers.

Proposed Two-Month Ceasefire Framework

A proposed plan to halt the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah outlines a two-month ceasefire as an initial step. During this period, Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon, and Hezbollah would cease its armed presence in the southern border region south of the Litani River.

The withdrawals would coincide with the deployment of thousands of additional Lebanese army troops to patrol the border area. These forces, largely sidelined during the conflict, would work alongside the existing U.N. peacekeeping mission.

An international committee would oversee the implementation of the ceasefire and enforce U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution, passed in 2006 to end the monthlong war between Israel and Hezbollah, has remained partially unenforced. Hezbollah maintained its presence in southern Lebanon, while Lebanon accused Israel of repeatedly violating its airspace and occupying small areas of its territory.....Read More