A ceasefire agreement to conclude over a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah has officially been enacted. The accord, mediated by the United States and France, aims to end the combat in Lebanon and provide Israel with assurances against threats posed by Hezbollah and other militant groups operating from Lebanese territory. Under the terms of the deal, Hezbollah is mandated to withdraw its armed presence from southern Lebanon within 60 days, while Israeli forces are also expected to retreat from the region within the same timeframe.
This ceasefire is being framed as a permanent solution. U.S. President Joe Biden affirmed that the agreement encompasses measures that foster a sustainable end to conflicts between the two sides. The 13-point framework signed between Israel and Lebanon does not include Hezbollah directly, but it stipulates that the Lebanese government will ensure that Hezbollah and other armed factions refrain from any operations against Israel. In return, Israel has committed to abstain from offensive military actions against Lebanon, including targets deemed civilian or military.
One key provision involves the deployment of 10,000 Lebanese troops to the southern region. This move is meant to avoid any power vacuums that might allow for the resurgence of armed groups. The agreement specifies that the Lebanese army will dismantle existing military infrastructure and confiscate unauthorized arms within the Southern Litani Area, extending its authority over the security dynamics in the south.
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain, particularly regarding the Lebanese army’s capacity to fulfill these commitments, given reported constraints on resources. Nevertheless, backing from the U.S. and France is expected to enhance the Lebanese military’s capabilities.
Additionally, both the U.S. and France are set to oversee the agreement’s implementation. They will participate in an enhanced Tripartite Mechanism along with Lebanese and Israeli military representatives to monitor compliance and address any violations that may arise. This mechanism promises a structured platform for either side to report issues and seek resolutions.
Overall, while skepticism persists about the effectiveness of the ceasefire and the ability of Lebanon to regain sovereignty over its territory, there is cautious optimism that this new agreement represents an opportunity for restoring stability in the region after more than a year of conflict. The hope is that continued international support and monitoring will foster a more enduring peace process, benefiting both Israel and Lebanon and significantly reducing the prospect of future confrontations.