Israeli Cabinet Approves U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire with Hezbollah

Israel’s Cabinet has formally approved a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah following weeks of intense negotiations. The U.S.-mediated deal, submitted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was passed late Tuesday evening with a 10-1 vote, with only far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir opposing the plan.

The ceasefire officially began at 4 a.m. Wednesday, local time, shortly after the deal was announced. President Joe Biden welcomed the agreement during a White House briefing, outlining its key components.

Terms of the Ceasefire Agreement

Under the deal:

• Lebanese armed forces and security units will deploy in southern Lebanon over the next two months, assuming control of areas currently dominated by Hezbollah.
• Simultaneously, Israel will withdraw its troops from the region, allowing displaced civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes.

Despite the agreement, violence persisted in the hours leading up to the ceasefire’s implementation. Israeli airstrikes targeted Beirut even as Biden concluded his remarks about the deal.

Prime Minister Netanyahu stressed that the ceasefire hinges on Hezbollah’s compliance, stating, “We will strictly enforce the agreement and respond decisively to any violations.” He emphasized Israel’s right to military action against any threat, reiterating that “the duration of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon.”

Regional and Global Reactions

President Biden echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Israel retains the right to self-defense under international law if Hezbollah or any other group violates the terms. He praised the agreement as a step forward for regional stability but acknowledged the challenges ahead.

The Israeli government claimed significant achievements during the conflict, including the reported elimination of senior Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and the destruction of the group’s military infrastructure.

Netanyahu assured citizens that Israel’s military freedom of action remains intact. He warned that any attempt by Hezbollah to rearm or resume attacks would prompt swift Israeli retaliation. “Whether it’s rockets, tunnels, or smuggling weapons—we will respond with full force,” he said.

Broader Context and Remaining Challenges

This ceasefire agreement does not extend to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. President Biden highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for renewed efforts toward peace and the release of hostages held by Hamas. “The people of Gaza have suffered immeasurably,” he said. “An end to the violence and displacement is crucial.”

Tensions had sharply escalated in October when Israel launched an offensive into southern Lebanon, responding to increased cross-border attacks by Hezbollah. In the lead-up to the ceasefire, the militant group launched over 250 rockets into Israel during one of its most intense strikes in recent months.

Looking Ahead

The success of the ceasefire will depend on its enforcement and the actions of both parties in the coming weeks. While the deal provides an opportunity for de-escalation, its durability remains uncertain given the history of mistrust and frequent violations in the region.

Key questions include:

1. Will Lebanese forces be able to effectively control areas previously under Hezbollah’s dominance?
2. How will Hezbollah respond to this shift in power dynamics?
3. Can international mediators sustain momentum to resolve parallel conflicts, such as the Gaza crisis?

The agreement represents a significant step but also underscores the complexity of achieving lasting peace in the region.