Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that a ceasefire agreement has been reached with Hezbollah in Lebanon after weeks of negotiations with the US and other Western allies. He stated that he would present the deal to his cabinet soon.
The announcement came as Israeli warplanes continued to strike across Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of at least 23 people. The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings in various areas as a final push before the ceasefire took effect. Ground troops also reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River, a key aspect of the emerging deal.
Netanyahu highlighted the accomplishments against Israel’s enemies in the region, emphasizing that a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on Iran, Hezbollah’s supporter and a significant threat to Israel. He warned of strong retaliation if Hezbollah violated the agreement.
The terms of the ceasefire deal were not immediately disclosed, and it does not impact Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza, which shows no signs of stopping. The evacuation warnings caused panic among residents, indicating that Israel was intensifying its attacks prior to the ceasefire.
Lebanese officials have indicated their support for the deal, which, if approved by all parties, would be a crucial step in ending the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. The agreement includes a two-month halt in fighting and requires Hezbollah to withdraw its armed presence from southern Lebanon, with Israeli troops returning to their side of the border.
The ceasefire implementation remains uncertain, with Israel demanding the right to act against Hezbollah if they violate the terms. The EU’s top diplomat stated that Israel’s security concerns were addressed in the deal brokered by France, emphasizing the importance of implementing the ceasefire to prevent further destabilization in Lebanon.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israel continued its military campaign in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure. The strikes resulted in civilian casualties, prompting concerns about the impact on the local population. The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah could potentially ease regional tensions and prevent a larger conflict between Israel and Iran.
Overall, the ceasefire agreement marks a significant development in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, paving the way for peace negotiations and stability in the region. The international community’s support and involvement are crucial in ensuring the successful implementation of the ceasefire and preventing further escalation of the conflict.