A ceasefire agreement has been enacted to conclude the 13-month conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The United States and France have endorsed the deal, emphasizing its intention to halt hostilities in Lebanon and safeguard Israel from Hezbollah and other terrorist groups operating in the region. The ceasefire outlines a timeline in which Hezbollah has 60 days to discontinue its armed presence in southern Lebanon, and Israeli forces are similarly expected to withdraw from the area.
The agreement is crafted to be permanent, as confirmed by U.S. President Joe Biden, who described it as a “permanent cessation of hostilities.” The deal, comprising 13 points, has been reached between the governmental authorities of Israel and Lebanon—excluding Hezbollah itself. It highlights commitments from both nations: Lebanon will take measures to prevent Hezbollah and other armed groups from attacking Israel, and Israel promises to refrain from conducting offensive operations against targets within Lebanon.
A central component of the ceasefire is the adherence to UN Security Council resolution 1701, which concluded the previous war in 2006. This resolution called for Hezbollah to withdraw its fighters and disarm from the area extending between the Blue Line and the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers north of the border—an action that was never fully enacted, resulting in the militant group establishing considerable infrastructure in that region.
As part of the ceasefire, 10,000 Lebanese troops will be positioned in the south, deploying alongside Israeli forces, who will also move south of the Blue Line in a phased withdrawal, each accomplished within 60 days. This deployment aims to prevent any vacuums of power that could be exploited by Hezbollah. Although the Lebanese military is tasked with dismantling unauthorized infrastructure and restricting the flow of weaponry into the country, there are concerns about the army’s ability to manage this effectively, given its limited resources.
To support the process, the United States and France have committed to assisting the Lebanese army and will monitor the agreement’s implementation through a refined Tripartite Mechanism that includes Unifil, the Israeli military, and the Lebanese forces. This new monitoring framework aims for enhanced communication regarding potential violations by both sides and ensures that neither Israel nor Lebanon violates the terms of the ceasefire.
In summary, the ceasefire represents a cautious step toward stability in an often volatile region. While it faces challenges, the hope remains that this agreement will lay the groundwork for long-term peace, rebuilding trust among nations, and restoring control and sovereignty to the Lebanese government. The international support from the U.S. and France may foster improvements in the local military capabilities, which could facilitate a more stable and secure environment moving forward.