02 June,2026 10:48 AM IST | Beirut | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/AFP
Lebanese authorities have said that Hezbollah has agreed to a United States-backed proposal calling for a reciprocal cessation of attacks between the group and Israel, marking a potential step towards reducing tensions along the volatile Israel-Lebanon border, reported IANS.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Lebanese presidency on Monday, citing information received from the Lebanese embassy in Washington following high-level diplomatic contacts between Lebanese and US officials, reported IANS.
The proposal comes amid growing international efforts to prevent further escalation in the region following recent exchanges of fire and heightened military activity involving Israel and Hezbollah.
According to the statement, the latest developments were discussed during a telephone conversation between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reported IANS.
The two leaders reviewed the security situation in Lebanon and ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing hostilities and preventing a wider regional conflict.
The Lebanese presidency said the US proposal envisages a mutual halt in attacks by both sides as a first step towards restoring stability, reported IANS.
Under the proposed arrangement, Israeli military strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs would stop, while Hezbollah would suspend attacks directed at Israel.
Officials indicated that the framework could later be expanded to include a broader ceasefire covering all Lebanese territory, reported IANS.
The Lebanese embassy in Washington stated that US President Donald Trump subsequently informed Lebanon's ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh Mouawad, that he had obtained Israeli approval for the proposal from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reported IANS.
According to the statement, Mouawad conveyed the information to President Aoun, who then informed Hezbollah about the proposed arrangement.
Lebanese authorities said discussions are expected to continue in the coming days, with negotiation meetings scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday aimed at advancing the ceasefire initiative and addressing outstanding issues.
Separately, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri reportedly informed US officials that Hezbollah is prepared to commit to a comprehensive ceasefire with Israel, reported IANS.
According to a report by Axios, Berri's senior adviser Ali Hamdan said the speaker had communicated Hezbollah's position to US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa.
"I called the US ambassador to Beirut on Sunday and informed him on behalf of Speaker Berri that Hezbollah is ready to fully commit to a comprehensive ceasefire, and we are prepared to guarantee its implementation," Hamdan was quoted as saying, reported IANS.
Berri reportedly proposed a ceasefire covering land, air and sea operations, with Israel also halting the demolition of homes in southern Lebanon as part of the arrangement.
Despite the reported progress, the Axios report said some US and Israeli officials remain sceptical about whether Berri can ensure Hezbollah's full compliance with any agreement.
However, Berri is regarded as one of Lebanon's most influential Shia political leaders and maintains close ties with Hezbollah, making him a significant intermediary in negotiations.
According to the report, US officials have indicated that they are uncertain whether Netanyahu would ultimately accept all aspects of the proposed ceasefire framework.
The ceasefire discussions are taking place against a backdrop of renewed military tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
Earlier on Monday, Netanyahu and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israeli military had been instructed to carry out strikes on the Beirut suburb of Dahieh, an area widely considered a Hezbollah stronghold.
The Israeli leadership said the decision followed an increase in rocket and drone attacks allegedly launched by Hezbollah towards Israeli military positions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that an Israeli military doctor was killed and seven soldiers were injured after two explosive drones were launched simultaneously by Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran had suspended the exchange of messages with Washington through mediators in protest against Israel's military actions in Lebanon.
The move adds another layer of complexity to regional diplomatic efforts, as international mediators continue working to prevent a broader conflict involving multiple actors in West Asia.
While the reported agreement between Hezbollah and US mediators represents a potentially significant breakthrough, negotiations remain ongoing and the success of the proposal will depend on whether both sides implement and sustain the commitments outlined in the ceasefire framework.
(With inputs from IANS)
