Israeli officials express some optimism for a truce, but key issues remain unresolved, especially convincing the public that this is “absolute victory” as Netanyahu has long promised.

Israel is reportedly moving toward a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group operating out of Lebanon. While significant progress has been made, critical issues remain unresolved. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been holding consultations with senior officials to address the remaining obstacles and strategize on how to present the deal to the Israeli public. A senior Israeli official said, “The direction is positive, but the details are always the challenge.”

U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein has been pivotal in facilitating negotiations between the two parties. After a recent visit to Beirut and meetings with Israeli officials, Hochstein highlighted the importance of seizing the moment. He reportedly warned Israeli negotiators that delaying the agreement could push talks into 2025. “If no truce is reached now, the momentum may be lost, and we could face a prolonged escalation,” he is said to have told them.

Despite the progress at the negotiating table, the situation on the ground remains tense. Over the weekend, Israeli airstrikes targeted suspected Hezbollah positions in Beirut, killing at least 29 people, including civilians. Hezbollah retaliated with a barrage of approximately 250 rockets, many targeting northern Israel but also striking near Tel Aviv in one of its most significant attacks this year. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the Iron Dome intercepted most of the rockets, but some caused property damage and minor injuries.

Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, expressed cautious optimism, stating, “We’re closer than ever to a resolution, but there are still corners that need to be closed. It’s not done until it’s done.” Herzog added that a finalized agreement could be reached “within days” if the remaining points of contention are resolved.

Not everyone in the Israeli government supports the ceasefire initiative. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a member of Netanyahu’s far-right coalition, has openly opposed any agreement that does not achieve what he termed “absolute victory.” Ben-Gvir stated, “We should not rush into a truce while Hezbollah remains a threat to Israeli citizens.”

The proposed ceasefire reportedly aligns with the framework of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. This resolution requires Hezbollah to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon and mandates the deployment of the Lebanese army to secure the border. However, Israeli officials remain skeptical about Hezbollah’s long-term compliance. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized, “We need guarantees that Hezbollah will not use this ceasefire as a means to regroup and rearm.”

The ongoing conflict, which escalated sharply in September, has taken a heavy toll on both sides. In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes have devastated infrastructure, displacing over a million people, according to estimates by international humanitarian organizations. On the Israeli side, the conflict has resulted in approximately 90 military casualties and nearly 50 civilian deaths. A senior IDF official commented, “We are aware of the humanitarian impact, but our first duty is to protect our citizens.”

Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati, have also expressed cautious hope for the ceasefire. Mikati called the proposed truce “a necessary step to prevent further destruction and loss of life.” However, he warned that any agreement must respect Lebanon’s sovereignty, a reference to repeated Israeli incursions into Lebanese airspace and territory.

The Biden administration has been pushing for a resolution to avoid further escalation that could destabilize the region. A U.S. State Department spokesperson remarked, “We are committed to supporting efforts that lead to a lasting ceasefire, but this will require compromise from all parties involved.”

Public opinion in Israel is divided. While some support a ceasefire to end the rocket attacks and restore a sense of normalcy, others fear that an agreement could embolden Hezbollah. Security analyst Yossi Melman noted, “Israel faces a difficult balancing act. Any agreement must ensure both immediate quiet and long-term deterrence.”