Israeli leadership will gather Wednesday for a security cabinet meeting focused on a potential truce with Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, according to a high-ranking Israeli official, as the conflict reaches its sixth week following escalation from broader tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran.
According to Walla news reports, Washington is intensifying diplomatic efforts to halt hostilities on Israel’s northern border and guide both parties toward a settlement. Meanwhile, Israeli forces are working to prolong military operations to conduct additional strikes within Lebanese territory.
An Iranian government official speaking to Lebanese media indicated that any emerging ceasefire agreement has been negotiated under Tehran’s influence and would be coordinated with a broader Iranian truce. Intelligence reports indicate this strategy aims to provide Iran with diplomatic leverage before upcoming negotiations, although Jerusalem officials are disputing suggestions that any deal is close to completion.
Al-Mayadeen, a Lebanese television network with Hezbollah connections, broadcast that a seven-day ceasefire might be declared as soon as tonight. Their reporting indicates Iran is spearheading this initiative to coordinate with a separate US-Iranian ceasefire agreement. Two Lebanese government sources confirmed to Reuters that diplomatic efforts are underway, though they lack specific information about timing for any potential pause in fighting.
In a recorded address, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed current military operations, stating: “Our forces continue to strike Hezbollah. The fighting is focused in Bint Jbeil. Bint Jbeil was Hezbollah’s capital in southern Lebanon. This is the place where Hassan Nasrallah said 26 years ago: ‘The Israelis are a spider’s web.’”
Netanyahu continued: “We are about to decide Bint Jbeil—we are essentially going to eliminate this major Hezbollah stronghold.”
The Prime Minister also referenced diplomatic discussions taking place in Washington involving Lebanon, explaining: “These negotiations did not take place for more than 40 years. They are happening now because we are very strong, and countries are coming to us—not just Lebanon. In negotiations with Lebanon, there are two main objectives: one is the disarmament of Hezbollah, and the second is a sustainable peace. Peace through strength.”
