Washington DC [US], November 27 – US President Joe Biden announced a breakthrough ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, ending over a year of deadly conflict. Speaking on Tuesday, Biden confirmed that both Israel and Lebanon have accepted the US proposal for a cessation of hostilities.
“Today, I have good news to report from the Middle East. I have spoken to the Prime Ministers of Lebanon and Israel. And I am pleased to announce: They have accepted the United States’ proposal to end the devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah,” Biden said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Support from Israel and France
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude for US mediation. “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this evening with US President Joe Biden and thanked him for the US involvement in achieving the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and for the understanding that Israel maintains freedom of action in enforcing it,” read a statement from Israel.
In a joint statement issued by Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, the leaders announced the ceasefire’s objectives:
“Today, after many weeks of tireless diplomacy, Israel and Lebanon have accepted a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon. This announcement will cease the fighting in Lebanon, and secure Israel from the threat of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations operating from Lebanon. This announcement will create the conditions to restore lasting calm and allow residents in both countries to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line.”
Macron echoed the sentiment, writing on X, “I wanted to welcome the ceasefire agreement reached today between Israel and Lebanon.”
The joint statement highlighted international efforts to strengthen Lebanon’s sovereignty and rebuild its economy:
“The United States and France also committed to lead and support international efforts for capacity-building of the Lebanese Armed Forces as well as economic development throughout Lebanon to advance stability and prosperity in the region.”
Details of the Agreement
According to Biden, the agreement includes the following steps:
- A permanent cessation of hostilities starting at 4 a.m. local time tomorrow (US).
- Deployment of Lebanese Army and state security forces to regain control over their territory within 60 days.
- Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon will not be allowed to be rebuilt.
- Gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces within 60 days.
Biden emphasized, “If Hezbollah or anyone else breaks the deal and poses a direct threat to Israel, then Israel retains the right to self-defence consistent with international law.”
Context of the Conflict
The prolonged conflict began on October 8 last year, when Hezbollah attacked Israeli-controlled territory in solidarity with Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza. This escalated into a series of tit-for-tat border attacks, culminating in a major Israeli military offensive in mid-September.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of key Hezbollah leaders such as Hassan Nasrallah and thousands of injuries caused by innovative weaponry.
Looking Ahead
Biden expressed optimism about Lebanon’s future under the agreement:
“If fully implemented, this deal can put Lebanon on a path toward a future that’s worthy of its significant past. The Lebanese people deserve a future of security and prosperity,” he said.
With the US and France pledging ongoing support, the agreement aims to bring lasting stability to the region while ensuring Israel’s security and Lebanon’s sovereignty.
