"US Pressures Israel for Ceasefire with Hezbollah"...Hezbollah "Agrees in Principle" (Comprehensive)

Reuters Yonhap News

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The likelihood of Israel agreeing to a one-week ceasefire with Hezbollah, the armed faction in Lebanon, has increased. Reports indicate that the United States is pressuring Israel to halt its aggressive actions in order to rein in Israel ahead of the second round of truce talks with Iran. At the same time, Hezbollah has announced its principled agreement to the ceasefire. Israel's cabinet has not yet made a final decision, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that he will not stop the offensive immediately, stating that the capture of Hezbollah's main stronghold is imminent. As a result, it is expected that it will take some time before an actual ceasefire is reached.

Channel 12, an Israeli media outlet, quoted a senior Israeli government official on April 15 (local time) as saying, "The United States is putting pressure on the Israeli government to enter into a one-week temporary ceasefire with Hezbollah." The outlet also reported, "Israel's security cabinet was urgently convened the previous night to discuss the issue of a temporary ceasefire with Hezbollah, but has not yet reached a final conclusion."

After launching a war with Iran in early March, Israel immediately carried out large-scale military operations in Lebanon. When Hezbollah declared its support for Iran and launched airstrikes on Israeli cities, Israel retaliated. According to Lebanese authorities, more than 2,000 people, including civilians and Hezbollah fighters, have died so far. Israel's ground assault on southern Lebanon has resulted in more than one million refugees.

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Israel had previously maintained its position of completely eradicating Hezbollah. However, it appears to have begun considering a ceasefire due to strong pressure from the United States. The New York Times (NYT) reported, "The United States is currently preparing for the second round of talks, but the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has continued to hinder the negotiations." The report added, "Since Iran claims that Israel's attacks on Lebanon should also be included as part of the truce with the United States, Washington will try to restrain Israel's aggressive actions, at least during the talks."

Hezbollah has also stated that it is, in principle, open to the possibility of a temporary ceasefire with Israel. Mahmoud Qomati, Hezbollah's deputy secretary-general, said in an interview with Lebanese outlet Al Jadeed TV that "We are, in principle, willing to agree to a ceasefire with Israel, but we cannot accept a return to the 2024-style ceasefire agreement." He pointed out, "At that time, only Hezbollah fulfilled its commitments, while Israel either shirked or violated its obligations."

However, since Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to insist on military engagement with Hezbollah, it is unlikely that a ceasefire will be reached immediately. After a meeting of security ministers, Netanyahu emphasized in a video message released to the public, "The Israeli military is continuing its attacks on Hezbollah, and the strategic Hezbollah stronghold of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon will soon fall." He also stressed, "I have instructed the military to continue strengthening the security zone in southern Lebanon."

It is widely expected that Israel will decide on the length of the ceasefire with Hezbollah after considering various factors, including the second round of talks between the United States and Iran and the duration of the truce. CNN reported, "Israel is currently pursuing a strategy of reducing the intensity of its attacks and refraining from atrocities in order to avoid further condemnation from the United States and the international community." The report also added, "Issues such as withdrawal from the currently occupied southern Lebanese territory will be adjusted in accordance with the progress of negotiations between the United States and Iran."

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