Israeli security cabinet to discuss possible Lebanon ceasefire: senior official

Israel's security cabinet is set to convene to deliberate a possible ceasefire in Lebanon, marking a critical juncture after more than five weeks of intense conflict with Hezbollah. The war, which escalated from the broader US-Israeli tensions with Iran, began on March 2 and has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with Lebanese authorities reporting over 2,000 deaths and 1.2 million people forced from their homes. The meeting follows rare diplomatic talks between Israeli and Lebanese envoys in Washington, where the US has reportedly been pressuring Israel to pursue de-escalation.

Senior Hezbollah official Ibrahim al-Moussawi told Reuters that concerted diplomatic efforts by Iran and other regional states could soon yield a ceasefire, noting Tehran has used its blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz as leverage. Concurrently, Lebanese health officials reported that Israeli strikes targeted paramedic teams in south Lebanon on Wednesday, killing at least three, underscoring the ongoing violence even as diplomatic channels activate. The potential truce discussions represent a fragile opportunity to halt a conflict that has spiraled with devastating humanitarian costs and regional implications.