Israel's security cabinet has given its approval to a ceasefire deal brokered by the United States and France with Iran-backed Hezbollah, a move aimed at ending the protracted and devastating conflict in Lebanon. The decision was announced by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting the support of 10 cabinet ministers, with only one dissenting voice. In its statement, the Israeli government expressed appreciation for the role of the United States in facilitating the agreement and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security and acting against any potential threats in the future.
The ceasefire, which came into effect at 4 am local time on November 27, is seen as a significant step toward halting a conflict that has raged for over a year, claiming nearly 3,800 lives in Lebanon and leaving approximately 16,000 wounded. French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden issued a joint statement following the agreement, pledging to work alongside Israel and Lebanon to ensure the ceasefire's full implementation and enforcement. They also committed to supporting the reconstruction of Lebanon’s military capabilities and the broader economic development of the country, which has been ravaged by the conflict.
President Biden elaborated on the terms of the ceasefire, stating that Israeli forces would begin a gradual withdrawal from southern Lebanon over the next 60 days. In parallel, Lebanon's army would take control of border regions, aiming to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing its military infrastructure in those areas. Biden emphasized that the agreement is intended to bring about a permanent cessation of hostilities, declaring that groups like Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations would no longer be allowed to threaten Israel’s security. He described the deal as a critical measure to prevent the conflict from escalating into another cycle of violence.
The ceasefire agreement outlines key commitments from both sides. Israel will withdraw troops from southern Lebanon, and the Lebanese Armed Forces will deploy in the region to ensure stability and security. Hezbollah is obligated to end its armed presence south of the Litani River. Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib stated that at least 5,000 Lebanese soldiers would be deployed to the south as part of the arrangement. He also suggested that the United States could play a vital role in reconstructing the infrastructure destroyed during Israeli airstrikes and in ensuring the sustainable implementation of the ceasefire.
Despite this diplomatic breakthrough, the situation on the ground remained volatile on the announcement day. Israeli military strikes intensified in Beirut and other parts of Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of 18 people, while Hezbollah continued its rocket attacks into Israeli territory. These hostilities underscore the fragility of the agreement and the challenges involved in achieving lasting peace in the region.
The broader Middle East has been in turmoil for more than a year, following an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and led to the capture of over 200 hostages. The escalation triggered widespread violence across the region, with over 43,000 lives lost to date. The Israel-Lebanon conflict has been one of the most severe outcomes of this instability, highlighting the urgent need for effective conflict resolution and peacebuilding measures.
The ceasefire deal represents a significant diplomatic effort to address one of the region's most complex and enduring conflicts. However, the path to lasting peace will require continued international cooperation, vigilance, and commitment to addressing the underlying causes of the violence. Both the US and France have reiterated their determination to prevent a resurgence of hostilities and to support Lebanon in rebuilding its institutions and economy, which are crucial for ensuring long-term stability in the region.
