Israel, Hezbollah reach ceasefire deal in Lebanon, Biden says

Israel and Hezbollah have reached a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, says Biden Irina Chebotnikova

US President Joe Biden announced that Israel and Hezbollah have officially accepted the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. It will come into force on the morning of November 27.

The agreement provides for a cessation of hostilities with Hezbollah within 60 days. 24 Channel has collected everything that is known at the moment.

Fighting in Lebanon may stop: details of the agreement between Israel and Hezbollah

The agreement was concluded with the mediation of the United States.

The Times of Israel wrote that it includes the following points:

• The IDF will withdraw from Lebanon to the international border. Lebanese troops and UN observers will enter the abandoned territory;
• Hezbollah will end its armed presence south of the Litani River;
• Lebanese civilians will be able to return to their homes;
• The Lebanese government will undertake to control all weapons purchases and production in the country so that none ends up in the hands of Hezbollah;
• The international body overseeing the agreement will be headed by the United States.

However, Israel wanted to retain the ability to act freely if Hezbollah violates the agreement. The US allegedly agreed to this.

Reuters indicated that the agreement consists of five pages and includes 13 sections. But the text was not published.

Why Netanyahu needs this and who opposed it

This is a security agreement, a temporary ceasefire agreement, not a political agreement such as a permanent peace agreement, a border agreement or normalization, CNN quotes Israeli sources.

That is why Netanyahu preferred to be considered only in the security cabinet, that is, by a smaller circle of people. Before that, the prime minister met with his Likud party to secure support.

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said that the agreement would be a historic mistake. And protesters gathered near the military headquarters, who called on Netanyahu to come to his senses. They are convinced that the agreement will bring “a new October 7th” (the day Hamas attacked). And they called it capitulation to terrorists.

Interestingly, during the vote for the agreement, Israel fired at Beirut 20 times in just two minutes.

Netanyahu's speech arguing for the agreement

The televised address was shown after the successful vote. It was pre-recorded.

Citizens of Israel, I promised you victory – and we will achieve victory. We will complete the liquidation of Hamas, we will return all our hostages, we will ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel, and we will return the people of the north, Netanyahu declared.

Firstly, he called for “focusing on the Iranian threat”, saying that Iran is supporting Hezbollah. Secondly, the agreement is intended to “give our forces a break and replenish supplies”. Thirdly, Israel hopes to resolve the issue with Hamas in this way.

“Hamas expected that Hezbollah would fight on its side. With Hezbollah excluded, Hamas is left on its own. We will increase our pressure on Hamas, and this will help free the hostages,” the Israeli leader is confident.

According to the prime minister, the duration of the ceasefire “depends on what happens in Lebanon.” That is, if Hezbollah rearms, digs tunnels, launches rockets, or restores its infrastructure near the Israeli border, the IDF will resume strikes.

How does Israel feel about the agreement

According to a poll on Israeli TV Channel 12, 37% of Israelis were in favor of a ceasefire, 32% were against, and 31% were undecided. As for who won the conflict, 20% of Israelis said their country, 19% said Israel lost, 50% believed no one won, and 11% were undecided.

However, sociologists say that such a truce will not affect Netanyahu's strong position.

What the US is saying

Anthony Blinken believes that “we now have an opportunity to achieve what has not been achieved before, namely the effective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701,” dated 2006. He is convinced that this agreement between Israel and Hezbollah can bring a peace agreement with Hamas closer. Regarding Tel Aviv's ability to have a free hand in the event of threats, the US official responded: “Israel will always have the right to deal with challenges or threats to its security.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the agreement good for Israel and the entire region.

Later, US President Joe Biden announced that Israel and Hezbollah had officially accepted the agreement. Speaking at the White House, he said that the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon would go into effect as early as 4:00 a.m. local time.

I have good news today with Middle East. I have spoken with the prime ministers of Lebanon and Israel. And I am pleased to report that they have accepted the United States' offer to end the devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah,” Biden wrote.

According to the president, the United States, France and allies have pledged to work with Israel and Lebanon to ensure the agreement is fully implemented.