Clashes continued between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Statements were made regarding the ongoing ceasefire talks.
“WE ARE CLOSE TO A ceasefire”
US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller answered journalists’ questions at a press conference. “We don’t think we’ve reached an agreement yet, but we believe we’re close to a (ceasefire).” Miller said, pointing out that there are “more steps to be taken” for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Miller defended the United States’ different stance on the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli and Russian officials.
Claiming that there is “no equivalence” between the ICC’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and the arrest warrant issued for Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2023, Miller said that Israel, unlike Russia, has “democracy and independence.” It claimed to have “functioning courts”.
Miller stated that each country will make its own decision on whether to comply with the ICC order.
LEBANON MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS: ‘WE CAN HAVE A CEASE CEASE TONIGHT’
Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Buhabib spoke at the “Dialogue for Peace” session at the “MED Mediterranean Dialogue Forum”, organized for the 10th time this year by the International Political Studies Institute (ISPI), a think tank headquartered in Italy, with the contributions of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Lebanese Foreign Minister Buhabib stated that Israeli attacks have been continuing intensely for 60 days and that they are in favor of a ceasefire and said, “I hope we can have a ceasefire this evening. Everyone expects Israel to accept the ceasefire.” he said.
Buhabib also said, “The sole authority in Southern Lebanon should be the Lebanese government. To achieve this, it is vital to promote cooperation between the United Nations Interim Peace Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Lebanese army.” he said.
After this speech, Buhabib touched on his speech at the forum in his statement to the Italian Rainews24 channel, pointed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the ceasefire and said, “Yes, I said this, but the final decision belongs to the Israeli cabinet and, above all, to Prime Minister Netanyahu.” he said.
ISRAELI CABINET MEETS
After the Lebanese press announced that US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron would declare a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah within 36 hours, all eyes turned to Israel. The Israeli security cabinet met to discuss a ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hezbollah. The cabinet will meet under the chairmanship of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at 16:00 local time, while ministers are expected to approve the ceasefire agreement later.
Source: AA