On Tuesday, President Joe Biden declared that a truce in Lebanon, mediated by the United States, had been reached between Israel and Hezbollah and would go into effect a few hours later.
Tens of thousands have been displaced on both sides of the border, and the heightened tensions and back-and-forth strikes over the past year have killed dozens in Israel and hundreds in Lebanon, increasing the likelihood of a regional conflict.
In describing the ceasefire, Biden stated that it was “designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” The agreement was set to take effect Wednesday at 4 a.m. local time and was intended to end combat at the Israel-Lebanese border.
According to Biden, France and other allies of the United States “will make sure this deal is implemented fully.”
“Let me be clear, if Hezbollah or anyone else breaks the deal, and poses a direct threat to Israel, then Israel retains the right to self-defense consistent with international law,” the president stated from the White House.
He emphasized that the deal is beneficial to Lebanon and upholds its sovereignty, and that its citizens, like those of Gaza, should be free from the violence and displacement.
“The Gazan people have endured terrible hardships. “Their world is completely destroyed,” Biden stated, adding that the release of the prisoners is the only option for Hamas to end the conflict with Israel.
According to him, the deal between Israel and Hezbollah, a militia supported by Iran, “reminds us that peace is possible.”
“Say that again: Peace is possible,” the president declared. “As long as that is the case, I will not for a single moment stop working to achieve it.”
Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, announced shortly after the president’s announcement that his Cabinet had voted 10 ministers to 1 in favor of the U.S.-brokered agreement.
“Israel appreciates the U.S. contribution to the process, and reserves its right to act against any threat to its security,” Netanyahu stated.
According to a top U.S. administration official, Israel will start its gradual pullout once the agreement takes effect and all sides will cease firing.
The procedure would not be completed overnight or in a few days, the official stated, adding that Israeli troops in Lebanon will remain in their current positions while Lebanese military and security personnel will begin their deployment toward the south after a 60-day period.
“Whereas the Lebanese military deploys and reaches the south, the Israeli military will withdraw,” the person stated, adding that all Israeli troops will leave within 50 to 60 days.
Netanyahu said earlier Tuesday that he had suggested his Cabinet approve the agreement with Hezbollah, which started exchanging gunfire with Israel the day after Hamas’ terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, which left over 1,200 people dead and 250 hostage, according to Israeli officials.
More than 41,000 people have died as a result of Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip since then, according to local health experts.
Israel views it as another attempt by Tehran to attack the Jewish state, while Hezbollah claims it is backing the Palestinian resistance.
Several of Hezbollah’s most influential leaders were also assassinated by Israel, notably Hassan Nasrallah, whose leadership turned the organization into the most potent Iran-backed paramilitary organization in the Middle East.
Israeli authorities, including Netanyahu, had pledged to continue attacking Hezbollah until the 60,000 displaced people in northern Israel could safely return to their homes. Since Oct. 7, 2023, some 50 Israeli citizens and 90 Israeli soldiers have been slain.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, since the fighting began, Israeli bombardment has killed around 3,820 people in Lebanon, displacing about 1.2 million people and causing a humanitarian crisis.
According to a World Bank analysis, the fighting in Lebanon has cost $8.5 billion in economic losses and physical destruction.
In recent months, Israel’s primary focus in this multifront war in the Middle East has been the Lebanon conflict. This is due in part to Hezbollah’s formidable missile arsenal, which is believed to be sufficient to overcome Israel’s missile defense and is larger than that of any other non-state organization in the world.
According to Biden, he is still dedicated to pursuing his goal of an integrated, safe, and wealthy region throughout his remaining time in office, all of which will enhance America’s natural security.
“A future where Palestinians have a state of their own, one that fulfills these peoples’ legitimate aspirations; one that cannot threaten Israel or harbor terrorist groups with backing from Iran,” he said, adding that he was praying and hoping for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. a future in which the security, prosperity, and, yes, dignity of Israelis and Palestinians are equal.
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