Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recommended that his Cabinet approve a ceasefire with Hezbollah, signaling a potential halt to hostilities in Lebanon. Netanyahu, in a televised address on Tuesday, emphasized that the ceasefire would allow Israel to shift its focus to its primary regional threat: Iran. He stressed that Israel would respond “forcefully” to any violations by Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed militia that has escalated its attacks on Israel in recent months.

The proposed ceasefire agreement, which includes a 60-day timeline, would see Israeli forces withdraw from Lebanon while Hezbollah pulls back to the north of Lebanon’s Litani River. The Lebanese army would deploy approximately 5,000 troops to the south. The terms of the deal, though not fully disclosed, are seen as a strategic effort to weaken Hezbollah’s influence in southern Lebanon, particularly along the strategic Litani River, which has been a focal point of past conflicts between the two sides.

Despite these developments, the ceasefire would only apply to Lebanon and would not address the ongoing war in Gaza or the release of hostages held by Hamas. Netanyahu’s recommendation is seen as part of broader regional efforts to reduce Israel’s multi-front conflict, with international support pushing for a swift resolution to the Lebanon front while Israel continues its campaign in Gaza.