In first step to peace, Israel-Lebanon ceasefire agreement comes into effect: What does the pact say?

In a joint statement by President Biden and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, “The ceasefire agreement will create the conditions to restore lasting calm and allow residents in both countries to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line.”

What are the terms of the ceasefire?

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah stipulates a 60-day halt of hostilities during which the Hezbollah militant group is expected to retreat around 40 kilometers from the Israel-Lebanon border, while the Israeli military is expected to withdraw completely from the Lebanese territory.

Today, I have good news to report from the Middle East.

I have spoken to the Prime Ministers of Lebanon and Israel. And I am pleased to announce:

They have accepted the United States’ proposal to end the devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

— President Biden (@POTUS) November 26, 2024

According to US officials, after Hezbollah fighters retreat, the area will be guarded by Lebanese armed forces who will eventually ensure that all the weaponry and ammunition of Hezbollah group is removed from the site and doesn’t get rebuilt in the area, reported BBC.

As per the ceasefire deal, the Lebanon army is expected to deploy around 5,000 troops in the southern region. The agreement also states that United Nations peacekeeping troops, the Lebanese army and a multinational committee will keep a watch and supervise the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

The UN Security Council Resolution 1701

The last all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah took place in 2006 and it ended via the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 which has been the basis of the current ceasefire agreement between the two. The negotiations have also been around the implementation of the resolution.

Under the Resolution 1701, the areas which are south to Litani, Lebanon will have no weaponry and should be free from any armed fighter. It can be guarded with weapons only by Lebanon’s state army and the UN peacekeeping force.

Israel and Hezbollah both have claimed that the resolution was violated as Tel Aviv alleged that Hezbollah was allowed to build infrastructure in the area and Beirut claimed Israel’s military flights hovered over its territory.

What Does Israel and Hezbollah Say Regarding Ceasefire Deal?

Israel agreed to the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States after its security cabinet approved the deal by 10-1 vote and PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said “Israel appreciates the US contribution to the process, and maintains its right to act against any threat to its security.”

Though Netanyahu asserted that Israel reserves the right to have full freedom of military action. “If Hezbollah violates the agreement and tries to arm itself, we will attack,” the Israeli PM said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this evening with US President Joe Biden and thanked him for the US involvement in achieving the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and for the understanding that Israel maintains freedom of action in enforcing it.

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) November 26, 2024

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire and described the agreement as a significant step towards achieving stability in the region. Hezbollah said it also accepts the proposal and its deputy chair of political council, Mahmoud Qamati, told Al Jazeera that “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state. Any violation of sovereignty is refused.”

How The World Reacted to the Ceasefire Agreement?

US President Joe Biden applauded the decision made by the leaders of Lebanon and Israel to end the violence. “It reminds us that peace is possible,” he said. “Over the next 60 days, Israel will gradually withdraw its remaining forces and civilians on both sides will soon be able to safely return to their communities and begin to rebuild their homes,” the outgoing US president added.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and in a post on X said that the ceasefire was “long overdue” and “will provide some measure of relief to the civilian populations of Lebanon and Northern Israel, who have suffered unimaginable consequences during the last few months of devastating conflict and bloodshed.”

French President Emmanuel Macron, in a joint statement with President Biden said “The announcement today will cease the fighting in Lebanon, and secure Israel from the threat of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations operating from Lebanon.”