PM Mikati: Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Would Halt Fighting In Lebanon

Lebanon's caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, has told Reutershe's "confident" a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas would end hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah along Lebanon's southern border with Israel.

• Mikati: "If we are able to reach a cessation of military operations in Gaza, then I believe that we will have ahead of us weeks packed with negotiations, so that we can reach what I have always called long-term stability in the south."
• Mikati added: "I am certain that the moment that Israel stops its violations against Lebanon, I am convinced that Hezbollah will not violate - or will not respond to something that did not happen."
• Reuters reports that Mikati said a deal to halt military action in Gaza was "on the horizon" and could begin as early as next week, echoing comments from US President Joe Biden this week which were met with skepticism by observers.
• Biden told reporters moments ago, when asked if he was still confident of a ceasefire agreement by Monday: "Hope springs eternal. I was on the telephone with people in the region....Probably not by Monday, but I'm hopeful."
• Axios reports that Biden spoke with Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim and Egyptian President Sisi in separate calls this morning.
• The Reuters report also notes that White House Middle East envoy, Amos Hochstein, is expected to travel to Lebanon "soon" for discussions on a border deal which could replicate a maritime border deal which Hochstein helped mediate, and was approved by Hezbollah, in 2022.