In light of increasing international pressure to reduce the escalation in southern Lebanon, mixed signals are emerging about the possibility of declaring a ceasefire. While Iranian leaks circulate news of an imminent truce, Israel categorically denies taking any decision in this regard so far.
The Lebanese Al-Mayadeen channel quoted a high-ranking Iranian official as saying that the ceasefire in Lebanon may begin “as of tonight,” and continue for a week, in parallel with the existing ceasefire between Iran and the United States.
On the other hand, an Israeli official, as quoted by the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, was quick to refute this information, stressing that “Israel has not taken any decision and has not received a request for a ceasefire,” which shows a clear discrepancy between what is published in the media and what is discussed in political circles.
At the same time, information indicates increasing American pressure on Israel to agree to a ceasefire, even temporarily, in Lebanon, especially after the start of direct talks between the Lebanese and Israeli parties in Washington.
According to political sources, the United States is seeking to impose a calm on the Lebanese front with the aim of supporting the Lebanese government and strengthening the negotiation process, in addition to reducing regional tension and focusing on negotiations with Iran away from the influence of the conflicts in Lebanon.
In this context, an Israeli security source stated that Washington sees the truce as a means of creating a more suitable environment for an understanding with Tehran, and pointed out that any potential agreement between Iran and the United States may directly affect the Lebanese front and give the negotiations there “an additional impetus.”
An American proposal was also circulated behind the scenes calling for the declaration of a “temporary” ceasefire for a week, followed by a later time limit after which military operations could resume, in a formula similar to what is being discussed on the Iranian track.
However, this proposal is still under study inside Israel, where no final decisions have been made. Sources revealed that the idea was previously raised by the American envoy, before it was temporarily withdrawn after the objection of Israeli officials who refused to link the Lebanese front with the confrontation with Iran.
On the ground, data indicate that the Israeli army has already begun to accelerate some of its operational plans in southern Lebanon, in anticipation of the possibility of imposing a ceasefire by the political level. While the security mini-ministerial council (cabinet) is preparing to meet to discuss this file, amid an internal division between supporters of calm and demands to expand operations, including targeting Beirut and the areas north of the Litani.
In conclusion, the ceasefire in Lebanon remains so far between political possibilities and international pressure, without a decisive decision, in a scene that embodies the complexity of the relations between the regional fronts and the limited ability to impose a rapid calm.
