Special Poll
Ceasefire Announced Between Israel and Hezbollah: Key Details
A significant ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Hezbollah, set to take effect Wednesday morning at 4 a.m. local time. The truce marks a major step toward ending over a year of escalating cross-border violence.
President Joe Biden announced the agreement on Tuesday, thanking French President Emmanuel Macron for his role in brokering the deal. The Israeli government also confirmed its security cabinet’s approval earlier in the day.
Under the terms of the agreement, a 60-day truce will see Israel gradually withdrawing its forces from southern Lebanon while Hezbollah retreats north of the Litani River. During this time, the Lebanese army and state security forces will take control of border areas, supported by a U.S. and French-led monitoring mechanism to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military infrastructure.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that while Israel seeks calm to focus on other regional threats, such as Iran, it retains the right to self-defense. Netanyahu stated that any violations of the agreement, including rocket launches or military buildup near the border, would prompt an immediate response.
President Biden highlighted the international community’s role in ensuring the ceasefire is upheld and reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting Israel’s security. He confirmed that no U.S. troops will be deployed but emphasized the importance of diplomacy in preventing further cycles of violence.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem expressed tentative agreement with the terms while setting conditions to halt Israeli attacks on Lebanon and ensure respect for Lebanese sovereignty.
Despite the agreement, tensions remain high. On Tuesday, just hours before the deal was approved, Israeli airstrikes in Beirut resulted in casualties, while Hezbollah launched multiple rocket attacks into Israel.
The ceasefire represents a critical step in de-escalating the conflict in Lebanon. However, it does not address ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, where military operations and humanitarian challenges continue.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed hope that the Lebanon ceasefire could pave the way for broader peace efforts in the region. The agreement is expected to bring temporary relief to a conflict-weary region, though significant challenges remain in achieving long-term stability