BEIRUT – In a potentially pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel's security cabinet is set to deliberate on a proposed ceasefire deal Tuesday evening, according to an official source. This move comes as the White House announced that it believes a resolution to the hostilities in Lebanon is "close."

The United States, European Union, and United Nations have intensified efforts in recent days to broker a truce, as the war between Israel and Hezbollah, which erupted in late September, continues to escalate. Lebanese health officials reported that Israeli strikes on Monday resulted in at least 31 fatalities, primarily in southern regions of the country.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby shared recent developments with reporters, expressing cautious optimism for a truce while noting that negotiations are still ongoing. "We believe we've reached this point where we're close," he conveyed, though he tempered expectations by stating, "we're not there yet."

France, alongside the US, has been active in facilitating discussions for a ceasefire in Lebanon, with French officials declaring "significant progress" in negotiations. They have urged both Israel and Hezbollah to take advantage of this critical juncture to halt the violence.

These discussions come on the heels of intensified Israeli military activity, including a wave of strikes on Hezbollah targets in and around Beirut's southern suburbs on Monday. Around two dozen locations were hit within a single hour, targeting command and intelligence centers associated with the militant group. This escalation follows a weekend marked by substantial Hezbollah fire, including assaults deep into Israeli territory.

Calls for an end to hostilities have been growing louder, with European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Beirut. Recently appointed US envoy Amos Hochstein also remarked that a deal was "within our grasp."

The backdrop of this conflict traces back nearly a year of sporadic cross-border exchanges instigated by Hezbollah, which stated it was acting in solidarity with Hamas following the latter's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, igniting further violence in Gaza. The toll on Lebanon has been staggering, with the health ministry reporting at least 3,768 deaths since the conflict reignited, most occurring in the weeks leading up to the current situation.

On the Israeli side, casualties have mounted as well, with authorities reporting at least 82 military personnel and 47 civilians lost.

Amid this turmoil, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are reportedly leaning towards endorsing the proposed ceasefire, while some citizens express apprehension about the implications. Critics of a ceasefire, such as Israeli-Lebanese student Maryam Younnes, argue that negotiating peace would be a "serious mistake" as long as Hezbollah retains its arsenal. Others like displaced teacher Dorit Sison worry that a ceasefire with the current terms could leave Israel facing the same threats in the years ahead.

Adding to the complexity, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has warned that agreeing to a truce could represent a "historic missed opportunity" to thoroughly dismantle Hezbollah’s operations. With the fate of the region hanging in the balance, the world watches closely as Israel contemplates its next steps in this multifaceted conflict.

The unanswered question remains: can a ceasefire bring lasting peace, or will it merely be a prelude to further violence? As tensions continue to simmer, one thing is certain—a careful approach will be crucial in ensuring stability for both Israel and Lebanon in the days ahead.