Prime Minister Mikati cautiously optimistic, reveals "path to life", Israel considers ceasefire conditions

Recently, US special envoy Amos Hochstein hinted that a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict could be reached before the US presidential election on November 5.

Smoke rises over Khiam, a large town in southern Lebanon, amid fighting between Hezbollah forces and the Israeli army on October 30. (Source: Reuters)

According to AFP news agency, on October 30, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati had a phone call with US special envoy Amos Hochstein, and said: "The call suggested to me that perhaps we can reach a ceasefire in the coming days, before November 5."

Affirming that efforts are being made to achieve a ceasefire with “cautiously optimistic”, Mr. Mikati said: “The situation could soon change for the better thanks to the efforts of the mediators.”

He also reiterated that UN Security Council Resolution 1701 is Lebanon's "lifeline" as it will bring lasting stability in the South, and therefore, it needs to be fully implemented.

Prime Minister Mikati stressed: "The Lebanese army must take control of the southern districts of Lebanon immediately after the Israeli forces withdraw."

On the US side, Mr. Hochstein and senior White House official for the Middle East Brett McGurk will travel to Israel to discuss issues including a diplomatic solution in Lebanon, as well as ways to end the conflict in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Israel's security cabinet is also discussing the terms of a ceasefire with Hezbollah, after announcing the removal of the movement's entire leadership.

According to Israeli media, on the evening of October 29, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed with ministers the country's demands in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire in Lebanon.

These demands include Hezbollah's withdrawal north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometers from the Israeli border; the deployment of Lebanese troops along the border; the establishment of an international intervention mechanism to enforce the ceasefire and guarantees that Israel will maintain its freedom of action in the event of a threat.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tinh-hinh-lebanon-thu-tuong-mikati-lac-quan-than-trong-he-lo-con-duong-song-israel-tinh-dieu-kien-ngung-ban-292014.html