Historic Truce; Israel and Lebanon Agree to Ceasefire in War With Hezbollah

Israel’s security committee has endorsed a U.S.-mediated truce arrangement with Hezbollah, which aims to conclude more than a year of turmoil involving the militant group along Israel’s frontier with Lebanon. This decision marks a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy.

President Biden mentioned in a statement to the public after the announcement that Lebanon’s authorities had consented to the terms, and the redeployment of forces beginning now would require approximately 60 days to complete. Additionalmeasures for monitoring the truce will be introduced in due course.

“I’m thrilled to declare that both administrations have embraced the U.S. framework to conclude this prolonged

 confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah,” he emphasized from the lawn of the White House. He further expressed gratitude to French leader Emmanuel Macron for playing a significant role in facilitating the arrangement. Cooperation between multiple nations was key to this outcome.

Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that a factor in his government’s acceptance of the proposal was his belief that the incoming Donald Trump administration might adopt policies more favorable to Israel. He also pointed out that broader strategies to address Iran played a part in the decision. These strategic considerations align with Israel’s long-term security interests.

On Tuesday evening, Netanyahu declared in a televised message that he would urge his conservative right-wing cabinet to approve the accord. The agreement — which constitutes the most extended armistice Israel has accepted since Hamas attacked from Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, igniting the current war — reflects a turning point in Israel’s multi-front conflicts. This shift underscores the challenges of managing simultaneous threats.

“I am resolute in ensuring our brave troops have every advantage to safeguard them and achieve triumph,” Netanyahu stated. “Thus, tonight I will submit a ceasefire proposal for the cabinet’s endorsement.” He reiterated the importance of a unified approach to peace and security.

Biden, in his address, indicated that the Lebanese military would take over regions Israel has secured from Hezbollah. “Within the next 60 days, the Lebanese army and security entities will deploy and reclaim their own jurisdiction,” he noted. “Hezbollah’s terror infrastructure in southern Lebanon will not be permitted to resurface. Moreover, Israel will systematically withdraw its remaining personnel and civilians during this period.” Further inspections will follow.

Hezbollah’s stance was unclear, but Lebanon’s administration likely would not have approved the deal without the tacit approval of the terrorist organization or its patrons in Iran. The role of Iran remains a significant concern for international observers.

One novel aspect is that the United States would oversee violations, Biden explained, though this would exclude the presence of American troops in Lebanon. This provision ensures the deal remains internationally monitored while respecting sovereignty.

In his broadcast, Netanyahu began by outlining what he described as Israeli achievements in what he labeled a seven-theater war, involving Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank, as well as confrontations with Iran and its allies. Among the successes he cited were the crippling of Hezbollah’s capabilities and the neutralization of key leadership. He pledged that thousands of Israelis displaced from the Lebanon border would return home. Restoring civilian life remains a high priority.

He proceeded to enumerate three primary reasons for consenting to the ceasefire in Lebanon. Each rationale was framed as a critical step toward broader national goals.

The arrangement reportedly reinstates the 2006 truce that concluded that year’s Israel-Hezbollah conflict, obliging Hezbollah to retreat north of the Litani River, roughly 18 miles north of Israel’s boundary. Hezbollah disregarded much of that accord, continuing to amass weaponry south of the river and launching missiles into Israel. After Hamas’s incursion, Hezbollah intensified rocket attacks, escalating into Israel’s full-scale incursion into Lebanon by late September. Renewed adherence to past agreements is now critical.

The current deal would ostensibly involve oversight by the Lebanese armed forces. It was negotiated by the United States, France, and other nations, and excludes the ongoing Gaza hostilities. Officials from Lebanon and the international community have expressed cautious optimism regarding the accord. They see it as a step toward regional stability.

“We are nearing the conclusion of finalizing a ceasefire framework for Lebanon,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday during a G7 summit. “This agreement will significantly improve conditions for residents in Lebanon and Israel. It will help people safely return to their homes in northern Israel and southern Lebanon.” The timeline for these developments remains under close scrutiny.

“The initial justification is to concentrate on the Iranian danger, which I will not elaborate on,” Netanyahu stated. He hinted that Trump’s administration could alter Israel’s defense strategy.

“The second justification is to provide our forces with respite and replenish resources,” Netanyahu remarked. “Frankly, delays in arms and equipment supplies have been substantial. These delays will soon resolve. We are set to receive cutting-edge weaponry to protect our troops and enhance our capabilities for mission completion.” This acknowledgment of logistical challenges adds nuance to the discussion.

Netanyahu previously accused the U.S. of stalling weapons shipments. However, Biden administration officials refuted this claim, clarifying that only specific shipments were paused. The issue of weapons logistics remains contentious.

“There was never a blanket policy to delay arms deliveries for operations in Lebanon or Gaza, aside from one consignment of 2,000-pound munitions,” a senior official explained to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “The U.S. ensured all arms provisions adhered to our legal and ethical standards. This thorough process naturally took time.” Such statements aim to clarify misunderstandings.

Biden attributed the conflict squarely to Hezbollah and emphasized U.S. assistance to Israel. “Let me be clear, Israel did not instigate this war,” he said. “The Lebanese population did not desire this war either. Nor did the United States. Over the last year, I directed the deployment of U.S. military resources to the region, including aircraft carriers, fighter units, and sophisticated defense systems, to safeguard Israel and counter shared adversaries.” Strategic alignment remains a cornerstone of U.S.-Israel relations.

The Biden administration has escalated regional defenses in response to Iranian threats, triggering retaliatory strikes and counteractions. The most recent escalation occurred on Oct. 26, when Israel, heeding Biden’s advice, limited its responses to military installations, avoiding strikes on oil fields or nuclear sites. Trump, while campaigning, suggested that Biden should have approved attacks on nuclear sites, though he stopped short of pledging direct U.S. support for such operations.

Netanyahu’s final justification, echoing Blinken, was to isolate Hamas. “By removing Hezbollah from the equation, Hamas stands alone,” he stated. “We will intensify pressure on Hamas, which will aid in our sacred duty to free our captives.” The prioritization of hostages reflects the emotional core of the conflict.

Netanyahu did not disclose the full terms of the truce but insisted it would not inhibit Israel from reentering Lebanon if Hezbollah breaches the terms — whether by moving forces south of the Litani or through rearmament. Ensuring enforcement will require vigilance from all parties involved.