Israeli Energy Minister Cohen speaks on ceasefire negotiations

Following reports that U.S. mediators are working on a 60-day ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced that the Israeli security cabinet is discussing the terms of a ceasefire with Hezbollah. In a statement to the Israeli press, Cohen said, "There are talks, but I think it will take time."

Reports in the Israeli press indicated that during a meeting held yesterday under the chairmanship of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, there was a broad consensus that Israel has largely achieved its goals in its attacks on Lebanon and that it should now turn this into an agreement that will end the conflict. The reports stated that Netanyahu is expected to accept a ceasefire in Lebanon if it ensures that Israelis living in the north can safely return to their homes.

U.S. President Joe Biden's senior advisor Amos Hochstein and White House National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk are expected to visit Israel tomorrow to discuss the terms of a ceasefire with Hezbollah with Netanyahu and other Israeli officials.

The 60-day ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hezbollah includes the withdrawal of Hezbollah to the north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers back from the Israeli border, the deployment of the Lebanese army along the border, the establishment of an international intervention mechanism to implement the ceasefire, and allowing Israel to "act in the event of a threat."