Breaking: Major middle-east deal could end year-long border conflict
A fresh US-backed plan might stop fighting between Israel and Hezbollah after more than a year of clashes. The deal includes troop movements and new security arrangements in border areas
A top-level Israeli official says the government is ready to back a US peace plan thats been in works for months. The security cabinet‚ led by Benjamin Netanyahu‚ will meet today to review the agreement which could stop border fighting that started last fall
The deal includes several key points: Israeli forces will move away from south Lebanon while Lebanese troops will take control of border areas (this should happen within two months). Around 60‚000 north-Israel residents might finally return to their homes after being away since oct-2023
Weʼre close‚ but nothing is done until everything is done
The fighting has been rough on both sides. Lebanese health ministry reports show over 3‚750 deaths; while Israeli data shows 45 civilian losses and 73 military casualties. More than one-million Lebanese people had to leave their homes during the conflict
The agreement builds on an old UN deal from 06ʼ that wasnt fully done before:
- Lebanese army needs to control border area
- Hezbollah fighters must move back 20 miles
- Both sides need to stop attacks
- Regular army should take over frontier zones
US diplomat Brett McGurk heads to Saudi-Arabia today; his goal is using this deal to help make peace in Gaza too. The French govt says talks have moved forward a lot‚ but some details still need work. Lebanese officials dont see big problems left - if Netanyahu stays with the plan
