The White House’s National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Brett McGurk, will discuss with Saudi officials how a potential ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon could facilitate a cessation of hostilities in Gaza. This was announced by White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates.
Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to New York, Bates stated that McGurk will visit Saudi Arabia on November 26 to explore how a Lebanese ceasefire could act as a catalyst for ending violence in Gaza, securing the release of hostages, and fostering regional stability.
When asked about Israel’s response to a potential Lebanon ceasefire agreement, Bates declined to speculate, emphasizing the US commitment to diplomatic solutions along the Blue Line (the UN-monitored border between Lebanon and Israel). Bates noted progress in efforts to allow civilians on both sides to return to their homes.
President Joe Biden, his advisor Amos Hochstein, and other senior administration officials remain deeply involved in these discussions, according to Bates.
Ceasefire Developments
On November 25, John Kirby, the White House National Security Council’s Strategic Communications Coordinator, stated that Israel and Lebanon are nearing a ceasefire agreement, which would include terms with Hezbollah.
Lebanese broadcaster Al Jadeed reported that Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati might announce a 60-day truce on November 27, although Mikati declined to confirm, citing ongoing negotiations. According to Al Nahar, Presidents Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron may jointly announce the agreement on November 26 if approved by Israel’s government.
The draft agreement, mediated by the US, outlines a 60-day transitional period during which Israeli forces would withdraw from southern Lebanon. In their place, Lebanese army units would secure border areas. Hezbollah would relocate its forces and heavy weaponry north of the Litani River, maintaining a 30-kilometer buffer from the border.
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Based on TASS materials