The Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Deal has officially been reached, bringing an end to more than a year of intense conflict along the Lebanese-Israeli border. Announcing the agreement, US President Joe Biden described it as a critical step toward achieving a “permanent cessation of hostilities.”
“Effective at 04:00 tomorrow local time (02:00 GMT), the fighting across the Lebanese-Israeli border will stop,” Biden said, emphasizing that the deal aims to establish long-term peace.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the deal but issued a stern warning. “If Hezbollah breaches any part of the agreement, we will strike without hesitation,” he said. Israel’s commitment to enforcing the terms of the ceasefire remains firm.
Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia involved in the conflict, has yet to comment on the agreement. The group had been locked in an escalating exchange of fire with Israel since October 2023, with the violence intensifying in September during Israeli airstrikes and ground operations.
Lebanon has faced its deadliest conflict in decades, with over 3,823 people killed and more than 15,000 injured, according to local reports. The fighting has displaced around one million people, leaving a devastating toll on the nation.
Both sides continued attacks up to the ceasefire deadline. Israel issued evacuation warnings for parts of Beirut just hours before the truce and conducted airstrikes shortly before the agreement took effect. Meanwhile, Hezbollah launched drone attacks into Israeli territory.
Under the US-brokered deal, which also involved France, a 60-day transition period will allow Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon. During this time:
- Lebanese government forces will take control of areas previously dominated by Hezbollah.
- Hezbollah fighters and weapons are to be removed from the region south of the Litani River, as per the boundaries set in the 2006 ceasefire.
Both Israel and the United States emphasized the right to respond if Hezbollah violates the agreement. Biden reiterated Israel’s right to self-defense under international law.
Netanyahu stated that ending the conflict in Lebanon allows Israel to shift focus to the broader threat posed by Iran. With Hezbollah’s missile capabilities significantly diminished, Israel sees an opportunity to recalibrate the regional balance of power.
“Ending this fight isolates Hamas and leaves it without Hezbollah’s support,” Netanyahu said. He added that the ceasefire in Lebanon would allow Israel to direct more resources toward ongoing operations in Gaza.
The recent fighting was linked to the war in Gaza. Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after Hamas launched a large-scale attack on southern Israel in October 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people. Since then, Hezbollah has been seen as an extension of Iran’s regional ambitions.
The ceasefire agreement was negotiated with the help of the United States and France. The latter, a long-term ally of Lebanon with historical ties, will play a key role in monitoring the truce’s implementation. Biden confirmed that no US troops would be deployed.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the agreement, calling it a “crucial step toward peace.” However, he urged Israel to honor its commitments, withdraw from occupied territories, and respect the terms of the 2006 UN resolution.
Lebanon has suffered extensive losses during the conflict:
- Over $8.5 billion in economic damages, according to World Bank estimates.
- Hezbollah’s infrastructure has been severely weakened, and key leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah and his successor, have been killed in Israeli strikes.
The organization’s political and social influence may also face challenges. Previously described as a “state within a state,” Hezbollah now faces questions about its future role in Lebanon, with fears of internal strife growing among its opponents.
The Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire marks a significant moment after months of devastating conflict. While it brings relief to many, its success depends on strict adherence to the terms. Both nations face challenges in rebuilding and addressing the underlying issues that fueled the violence.
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