A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has officially begun, bringing temporary relief after more than a year of intense fighting.
The truce, brokered by the United States, took effect at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday.
The Israeli government approved the ceasefire deal late Tuesday after a heated debate in the Security Cabinet.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision in a televised address.
Netanyahu: “We Retain the Right to Strike Again”
Netanyahu emphasized that while Israel agreed to the ceasefire, the country reserves the right to respond if Hezbollah breaks the deal.
“In full coordination with the United States, we are maintaining full military freedom of action,” Netanyahu declared.
He warned that any attempts by Hezbollah to rearm would be met with force.
The prime minister said Israel had dismantled much of Hezbollah’s military power and killed several top commanders.
“We have achieved significant objectives,” he added.
Biden Welcomes “Permanent Cessation of Hostilities”
U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed the ceasefire, calling it a step toward lasting peace.
“This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities,” Biden said in a speech from the White House Rose Garden.
He outlined plans for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon.
Biden also assured that U.S. forces would not be deployed in Lebanon but pledged support to ensure compliance.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Hopes for Stability
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed hope that the ceasefire would restore calm and allow displaced citizens to return home.
“This is a key step towards stability in Lebanon,” Mikati said.
He thanked the United States and France for their efforts in brokering the deal.
Mikati called for regional cooperation to maintain peace.
A Bloody Conflict Comes to a Halt
The ceasefire ends a bloody conflict that has claimed thousands of lives.
According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, more than 3,700 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in Lebanon.
Nearly one million people have been displaced by the fighting, according to the United Nations.
In northern Israel, about 80 people, including civilians and soldiers, have died since October 2023.
The violence escalated after Hezbollah began launching rockets into Israel following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.
Israel responded with airstrikes and ground operations, targeting Hezbollah strongholds.
In September, Israeli forces killed Hezbollah’s longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Concerns Over Ceasefire’s Durability
Despite the ceasefire, many remain skeptical about how long the peace will last.
“This agreement is not good because it does not require Hezbollah to disarm,” said Avigdor Lieberman, a critic of Netanyahu.
Some Israeli lawmakers believe the deal is too weak and fear renewed hostilities.
Lebanese citizens also worry about whether the ceasefire will hold.
International Oversight and Monitoring
The Lebanese army and a United Nations peacekeeping force will take control of southern Lebanon.
Thousands of soldiers are expected to be deployed to maintain order.
An international panel will monitor compliance by both sides.
Biden emphasized the importance of global cooperation to ensure peace.
Focus Shifts to Gaza
While the ceasefire with Hezbollah marks a significant development, attention now turns to Gaza.
Biden announced plans to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza with the help of Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar.
“We are working to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza,” Biden said.
He also mentioned ongoing efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
