In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which was brokered by the United States after extensive diplomatic efforts. The ceasefire, established last week, has been deemed broadly successful in halting the violence that had escalated over the preceding months, resulting in a significant reduction in daily casualties.

Despite the ceasefire's overall success, concerns about potential violations have arisen. A mechanism has been set up involving the United States and France to investigate these reports. Officials acknowledged that violations are common in the early stages of ceasefires, and they are committed to addressing any confirmed breaches through diplomatic channels.

The meeting also touched on the upcoming presidential election in Lebanon, scheduled for January 9. While this election was not part of the ceasefire agreement, U.S. officials emphasized the importance of electing a new president to strengthen Lebanon's political institutions. They clarified that the U.S. does not endorse any specific candidate, asserting that the decision lies solely with the Lebanese people.

In response to questions about Israel's right to military action under the ceasefire agreement, officials reiterated that both Israel and Lebanon retain the right to self-defense under international law. However, they stressed the importance of allowing the established mechanism to assess any reported violations before determining appropriate responses.

As the situation evolves, U.S. officials remain focused on ensuring the ceasefire holds and facilitating a return to stability for communities affected by the conflict.