Media: Biden and Trump work together on high-stakes ceasefire deal for Lebanon

Lebanese officials engaged in ceasefire negotiations between Hezbollah and Israel have been informed of extensive coordination between the teams of US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to broker a deal.

Sources close to the discussions told The National on November 22 that during meetings held this week in Beirut, US officials and Western diplomats conveyed optimism that a ceasefire could soon be achieved, with US envoy Amos Hochstein playing a central role in mediating the talks, Caliber.Az reports.

While an agreement seems within reach, significant obstacles remain, particularly Israel’s demand for the right to act freely against Hezbollah even after the conflict ends — something Lebanon strongly opposes.

"There is extensive work and coordination going on between the Trump team and the Biden team and Hochstein, to reach a solution and settlement for the war on Lebanon," a source close to the negotiations stated. However, the source emphasized, "This isn’t an Israeli gift to Biden and Trump. The agreement, if it happens, does not mean that it is a gift."

Diplomats and officials familiar with the talks noted that the Biden administration is pushing for an end to the war to secure a diplomatic achievement before leaving office, following a series of perceived setbacks in foreign policy. Meanwhile, Trump’s team is eager to finalize a deal before he takes office.

Lebanese officials, however, remain cautious. They are concerned about whether the US can guarantee that Israel will respect Lebanon’s sovereignty under the proposed agreement. One of the key sticking points is whether Lebanon would accept a definition of "the right to self-defence" in the draft agreement that remains unclear in exchange for such guarantees.

In contrast, Israel insists on retaining the freedom to act against targets in Lebanon if the terms of the ceasefire are violated. Meanwhile, Hezbollah and Lebanese officials emphasize that the deal must ensure Lebanon's sovereignty is protected.

During his trip to Tel Aviv this week, Hochstein met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other key Israeli officials. However, no new updates have been provided from the talks, and it is uncertain whether the envoy will return to Beirut or head back to the US.

"It will take more time, but the atmosphere is still positive," said one of the sources involved.

The proposed ceasefire outlines a truce under which Israel would withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon within days, allowing Lebanese forces to take control of the border, while Hezbollah fighters retreat. This would enable displaced Israelis to return to their homes in northern Israel. A US-led committee, composed of UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL), Lebanese and Israeli officials, and representatives from countries like the UK and Germany, would oversee the ceasefire.

However, Israel has made it clear that it does not want France involved in the settlement process, despite Paris not yet being considered for any role. Relations between France and Israel have soured in recent months, with Paris accusing Israel of harming their bilateral ties.

The talks came as Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant learned they face formal prosecution at the International Criminal Court, following the issuance of arrest warrants for overseeing attacks on Gaza’s civilian population. Israeli media reported that Netanyahu, now considered a wanted individual, received this news during his meeting with Hochstein.

By Tamilla Hasanova