U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to announce a 60-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel on Tuesday, Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported, citing informed sources. 

This significant development follows growing signs of cautious optimism in Washington regarding the potential success of the US-backed ceasefire proposal. The plan envisions a halt in hostilities for 60 days, contingent on Hezbollah withdrawing from the area between the Blue Line and the Litani River in a verifiable manner, in exchange for Israeli forces pulling back from territories they have occupied since the start of the limited ground invasion of Lebanese land.

Despite continued large-scale military operations between Israeli forces and Hezbollah groups in southern Lebanon, as well as Israeli airstrikes deep into Lebanese territory—including in Beirut and its southern suburbs—there is a relative sense of optimism about the ceasefire deal. Long-range rocket fire has also been directed toward central Israel, including Tel Aviv.

According to The New York Times, analysts have noted that the ongoing intensive attacks suggest that both Israel and Hezbollah are attempting to expand their influence while diplomats work toward what they hope will be the final round of ceasefire negotiations. The terms of the ceasefire include a 60-day truce, during which Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters will withdraw from the border regions, and both the Lebanese Army and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will increase their presence in the demilitarized zone.

However, sources close to the negotiations told Asharq Al-Awsat that while all issues concerning the Lebanese side have been resolved, some issues remain unresolved on the Israeli side. Despite the initial approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the U.S. diplomats, particularly Amos Hochstein, and the involvement of France alongside the U.S. in a monitoring mechanism for the mutual withdrawals, certain points are still pending.