Israel and Lebanon have reached a ceasefire agreement, brokered by the US and France, potentially leading to a reduction in Hezbollah attacks.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group, started along the Israel-Lebanon border, the day after Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attack on Israel.
The conflict has, so far, resulted in approximately 3,800 deaths and roughly 16,000 injuries, as reported by Lebanese officials.
US President Joe Biden said: “We’re determined this conflict will not be just another cycle of violence. And so, the United States, with the full support of France and our other allies, has pledged to work with Israel and Lebanon to ensure that this arrangement is fully implemented – the agreement totally implemented.
“You know, there will be no US troops deployed in southern Lebanon. This is consistent with my commitment to the American people to not put US troops in combat in this conflict. Instead, we, along with France and others, will provide the necessary assistance to make sure this deal is implemented fully and effectively.”
The ceasefire terms include a 60-day truce. During this period, the Lebanese Army and State Security Forces will redeploy to regain control over their territory.
Meanwhile, the rebuilding of Hezbollah’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon will be prohibited.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “With the United States’ full understanding, we maintain full freedom of military action. If Hezbollah violates the agreement and tries to arm itself, we will attack.
“If it tries to rebuild terrorist infrastructure near the border, we will attack. If it launches a rocket, if it digs a tunnel, if it brings in a truck carrying rockets, we will attack.”
Israeli forces and civilians will gradually withdraw, allowing civilians on both sides to safely return to their communities.
Pentagon Air Force press secretary Pat Ryder expressed that the US hopes to see a ceasefire in Gaza as well.
In the coming days, the US will collaborate with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and other countries to pursue a ceasefire in Gaza, aiming for the release of hostages and an end to the conflict.
Ryder said: “Certainly, we still want to see a situation in Gaza where there is a ceasefire, so that we can increase the flow of humanitarian assistance and restore a sense of stability and security in that region.”
In August this year, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin extended US forces across sea, air, and land in the Middle East amid the tensions between Israel and Iran.
