Israel’s Cabinet approved a U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah on Tuesday evening, marking a critical step toward de-escalating tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border. The deal, approved by a 10-1 vote, went into effect at 4 a.m. Wednesday, local time, following weeks of negotiations mediated by U.S. officials.
The agreement mandates the Lebanese army and security forces to deploy in southern Lebanon within the next 60 days, taking control of territories previously dominated by Hezbollah. Simultaneously, Israel will withdraw its forces from the area to allow civilians to return to their homes on both sides of the border.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored that the ceasefire hinges on Hezbollah’s adherence to the terms. “The duration of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon,” he stated, warning of swift military retaliation against any violations.
President Joe Biden, addressing the deal from the White House, affirmed that Israel retains the right to self-defense under international law. He emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to Israel’s security, while also expressing hope for stability and prosperity for both Lebanese and Israeli civilians affected by the conflict.
Despite the agreement, violence persisted up to the moment the ceasefire took effect. Israeli airstrikes targeted Beirut late Tuesday, signaling the fragility of the truce. Hezbollah has yet to issue an official response to the agreement.
Netanyahu hailed the ceasefire as a victory, citing “great achievements” in the conflict, including the reported killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and the destruction of significant Hezbollah military assets. He reiterated Israel’s intention to monitor and respond to any efforts by Hezbollah to rearm or rebuild infrastructure near the border.
While the ceasefire represents progress in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, it does not extend to the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. President Biden called for renewed efforts to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting the severe toll on civilians.
“Hamas must make a choice,” Biden declared, urging the group to release hostages as a step toward de-escalation. He pledged continued U.S. involvement in pursuing peace in Gaza.
The ceasefire deal followed intensive diplomacy, including meetings between Netanyahu and U.S. special envoy Amos Hochstein. Hochstein also traveled to Beirut to engage Lebanese officials in the discussions.
Tensions had reached a boiling point in October when Israel launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, escalating its conflict with Hezbollah. The weekend preceding the agreement saw one of Hezbollah’s heaviest retaliations, with the group firing approximately 250 rockets into Israel.
The implementation of the ceasefire will test the durability of the agreement and the ability of both parties to manage volatile dynamics in the region.
