The flags of Lebanon and Israel together (iStock)
Israel and Lebanon recently agreed to a ceasefire agreement, implementing the deal on Nov. 27.
Both French President Emmanuel Macron and President Biden said in a joint statement: “The announcement today will cease the fighting in Lebanon, and secure Israel from the threat of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations operating from Lebanon.”
President Biden celebrated the agreement at the Rose Garden on Tuesday.
“What is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations will not be allowed — will — I emphasize — will not be allowed to threaten the security of Israel again,” Biden said.
Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group, started firing its missiles into northern Israel after Oct. 7 when 1200 Israelis were killed by Hamas.
Since the conflict began between Israel and Hezbollah began, more than 1.2 million Lebanese have fled their homes, according to a UNHCR report. Israel has estimated that 60,000 civilians in the north have had to evacuate as a result of Hezbollah’s rockets.
Over the next 60 days, Israel will gradually withdraw its forces in addition to the Lebanese Army being deployed along all borders and crossing points in the country. During the 60 day period, Hezbollah has to withdraw its fighters north of the Litani River.
The two countries also agreed to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Under these terms, the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) are the only permitted armed forces south of the Litani River. Both Hezbollah and Israel have already claimed violations of the resolution.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed the ceasefire’s value to Israel and the need to focus on prioritizing other security threats, like Iran and Hamas. While Hezbollah originally demanded Israel stop its fighting in Gaza, the Iranian-backed group ultimately conceded, leaving Hamas in isolation.
Netanyahu described the military’s future role in maintaining the ceasefire.
“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 said.
President Biden turned his attention to Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas. He urged Hamas to release their Israeli and American hostages in an announcement on Nov. 26.
The Israeli security cabinet voted in favor of the deal 10-1, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir being the only one in opposition. He took to the social platform X to label the cabinet’s decision as a “historic mistake.”
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres indicated his aspirations for the future of Israeli-Lebanese relations.
“[We must] put an end to the violence, destruction and suffering the people of both countries have been experiencing” adding, “[Israel and Lebanon must] respect and swiftly implement all of their commitments made under this agreement,” Guterres said.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire agreement and emphasized the country’s aspirations to enforce UN Resolution 1701.
Israeli and Lebanese civilians expressed relief in a BBC video. One woman in Tel Aviv resident reflected widespread encouragement on finding a future compromise in the Middle East.
“I’m very happy, a ceasefire is always good. I hope we can get one in Gaza too.”
