Washington/Beirut/Jerusalem: A historic ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the United States and France, took effect Wednesday, ending a deadly conflict across the Israeli-Lebanese border.
US President Joe Biden announced the agreement on Tuesday, hailing it as a step toward lasting peace.
Agreement Details
The ceasefire aims to end hostilities that have claimed thousands of lives since the Gaza war reignited regional tensions last year. Approved by Israel’s security cabinet in a decisive 10-1 vote, the accord began at 4 a.m. local time (0200 GMT).
President Biden emphasised the pact’s significance, stating that, “This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities. Hezbollah and other terrorist organisations will no longer pose a threat to Israel’s security.”
The plan includes Israel’s gradual withdrawal over 60 days, during which the Lebanese army will deploy 5,000 troops to secure southern Lebanon and prevent Hezbollah’s resurgence.
I applaud the courageous decision by the leaders of Lebanon and Israel to end the violence.
It reminds us that peace is possible.
And so long as that is the case, I will not for a single moment stop working to achieve it. pic.twitter.com/MF57EXflzk
— President Biden (@POTUS) November 27, 2024
French President Emmanuel Macron celebrated the deal, calling it the result of months of intense diplomacy with Israeli and Lebanese authorities. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib also expressed support, with Mikati highlighting its potential to facilitate the safe return of displaced civilians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to uphold the agreement but warned of swift retaliation against violations. ” In full coordination with the United States, we retain complete military freedom of action. Should Hezbollah violate the agreement or attempt to rearm, we will strike decisively,” Netanyahu stated.
“We will enforce the agreement and respond forcefully to any violation. Together, we will continue until victory,” Netanyahu added.
Netanyahu noted that the conflict had significantly weakened Hezbollah, citing the destruction of its infrastructure, the elimination of key leaders, and the neutralization of its missile capabilities.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
“The length of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon. We will enforce the agreement and respond forcefully to any violation. We will continue united until victory.”
Full remarks >>https://t.co/43nIjRoJQv pic.twitter.com/KiwT3ZKcog
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) November 26, 2024
Challenges Ahead
Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, tensions remained high on Tuesday as Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah’s financial networks in Beirut, killing at least 18 people.
Hezbollah continued launching rockets into Israel, prompting evacuation warnings and heightened military alertness.
The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, praised the ceasefire and urged both sides to honour their commitments. A senior US official revealed plans for a joint mechanism involving the US, France, and UNIFIL to monitor compliance and prevent violations.
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