What the U.S. Requested from Lebanon

U.S. President Joe Biden's advisor Amos Hochstein has reached out to Lebanese leadership, requesting a unilateral declaration of a ceasefire with Israel to support efforts in negotiating a resolution to the conflict. This was reported by Reuters, citing senior diplomatic sources and high-ranking officials in Lebanese political circles.

“The U.S. envoy this week asked Lebanon to announce a unilateral ceasefire with Israel as part of efforts to support negotiations around conflict resolution,” the agency's report stated.

According to sources, Hochstein made the proposal during a meeting with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati. It has been noted that such a proposal has been deemed unsuccessful in Lebanon, as its acceptance would likely be perceived as capitulation in the country.

On Wednesday, Israel’s Kan national broadcaster published the American draft agreement for a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, according to which southern Lebanon would be monitored exclusively by the Lebanese armed forces and UN peacekeepers, in accordance with UN Resolution 1701. Furthermore, Israel would withdraw all its forces from Lebanon within seven days following the ceasefire.

The Axios portal, citing two informed American officials, also reported that negotiations between Israel and the Shiite movement “Hezbollah” have made significant progress regarding the situation in Lebanon, but the U.S. has yet to reach a final agreement with either party.