Netanyahu proposes historic peace deal amid Lebanon ceasefire

Tel Aviv: (Web Desk) – Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that the ongoing ten-day ceasefire with Lebanon could open the door to a “historic peace deal” with Beirut, stressing that disarming Hezbollah remains essential for progress.

In a televised address, Netanyahu noted that the temporary truce presents a rare diplomatic opportunity. Earlier, Donald Trump announced that both Netanyahu and Joseph Aoun had agreed to a ceasefire starting at 2100 GMT, which would also involve Hezbollah.

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Netanyahu claimed that Israel’s military operations since October 2023 have significantly shifted the balance of power in Lebanon. He added that, for the first time in more than four decades, Lebanon has shown willingness to engage in direct peace discussions.

Despite agreeing to the temporary truce, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would retain a 10-kilometre security buffer zone along southern Lebanon’s border. He reiterated two key conditions for a lasting ceasefire: the complete disarmament of Hezbollah and a durable peace arrangement built on security strength.

At the same time, he dismissed Hezbollah’s demands, which include a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and a ceasefire based on mutual restraint.