- Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a US and France-brokered ceasefire, aiming to end the conflict across the Israeli-Lebanese border.
- The agreement includes Israel's gradual withdrawal of forces over 60 days, with Lebanon's army taking control of territory near its border.
- Despite the agreement, hostilities continued with airstrikes and rocket fire from both sides.
- The ceasefire, reminiscent of the 2006 Lebanon War agreement, has been met with mixed reactions, and its success will depend on the adherence of all parties involved.
In a significant development, Israel and Lebanon, on behalf of Hezbollah, have agreed to a ceasefire, set to take effect on Wednesday. This agreement, brokered by the United States and France, aims to bring about a permanent cessation of hostilities between the two sides.
The announcement was made by U.S. President Joe Biden, who stated that the accord would pave the way for an end to the conflict across the Israeli-Lebanese border, a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives since it was sparked by the Gaza war last year.
The ceasefire agreement was approved by Israel's security cabinet in a 10-1 vote. Following the approval, President Biden spoke with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati. The cessation of hostilities is set to begin at 4 a.m. local time.
President Biden emphasized that the ceasefire is designed to be a permanent one. He stated, What is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations will not be allowed to threaten the security of Israel again."
Key Aspects of the Agreement
As part of the agreement, Israel will gradually withdraw its forces over a 60-day period, while Lebanon's army will take control of territory near its border with Israel. This move is intended to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its infrastructure in the area.
The agreement was met with approval from French President Emmanuel Macron, who lauded it as the culmination of months of efforts undertaken in close collaboration with the Israeli and Lebanese authorities, as well as the United States. Lebanon's Prime Minister Mikati also welcomed the deal, with Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib stating that the Lebanese army would be ready to deploy at least 5,000 troops in southern Lebanon as Israeli troops withdraw.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, despite facing some opposition to the deal within his coalition government, expressed readiness to implement the ceasefire deal. He warned of a forceful response to any violation by Hezbollah. Netanyahu stated, We will enforce the agreement and respond forcefully to any violation. Together, we will continue until victory.
Reactions and Historical Context
The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, also welcomed the ceasefire deal, commending the parties to the agreement. She stated, Now is the time to deliver, through concrete actions, to consolidate today's achievement.
Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, hostilities continued on Tuesday. Israel ramped up its campaign of airstrikes in Beirut and other parts of Lebanon, with health authorities reporting at least 18 killed. Hezbollah also kept up rocket fire into Israel. Israel's air force intercepted three launches from Lebanese territory, leading to warning alarms in approximately 115 settlements.
The ceasefire agreement has been met with mixed reactions from the Israeli public. A poll conducted by Israel's Channel 12 TV found that 37% of Israelis were in favor of the ceasefire, compared with 32% against. Opposition to the deal in Israel includes opposition leaders and heads of towns near Israel's border with Lebanon, who want a depopulated buffer zone on Lebanon's side of the frontier.
The ceasefire agreement is reminiscent of the 2006 Lebanon War, also known as the July War, which ended with a UN-brokered ceasefire. The 34-day military conflict between Hezbollah paramilitary forces and the Israel Defense Forces resulted in the displacement of Lebanese people and Israelis, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the death of many.
The 2006 ceasefire, like the current one, aimed to create a buffer zone free of Hezbollah fighters between the Blue Line and the Litani River, with the Lebanese army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) deployed in the area to keep the peace.
