Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Tuesday that he is supporting a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, aiming to end a yearlong conflict that has devastated Lebanon and displaced over a million people. Netanyahu said the proposal would go to Israel's Cabinet for approval, expressing confidence in its passage.
"Tonight, I will bring before the cabinet a plan for a cease-fire in Lebanon," Netanyahu said during a televised address in Hebrew. He emphasized Israel's readiness to enforce the agreement but warned of consequences for any violations. "If Hezbollah violates the agreement and tries to arm itself, we will attack. If it launches a rocket, if it digs a tunnel, if it brings in a truck with missiles-we will attack," Netanyahu stated.
The conflict, which escalated in October 2023, has resulted in nearly 3,800 deaths in Lebanon and over 16,000 injuries. The ceasefire aims to halt what has been the deadliest war in Lebanon since its civil war ended in 1990.
Under the agreement, Hezbollah will withdraw its forces and heavy weaponry 20 miles north of the Israeli border to the Litani River. In turn, Israeli forces will begin a phased withdrawal from southern Lebanon over the next 60 days. Lebanese forces and United Nations peacekeepers will jointly patrol the area to ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the ceasefire as a result of months of intensive diplomacy. "If we get to the conclusion that I hope we reach very soon, it will make a big difference in saving lives and livelihoods, in Lebanon and in Israel," Blinken said during a meeting with G7 leaders in Italy.
President Joe Biden is expected to formally announce the U.S. role in brokering the ceasefire later on Tuesday. French officials, though not directly involved in negotiations, will assist with implementing the agreement.
Netanyahu described the ceasefire as a strategic win for Israel, highlighting the elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and the destruction of key weapons stockpiles. "With full understanding with the United States, we maintain complete military freedom of action," Netanyahu said.
Despite optimism, some experts cautioned about the agreement's durability. Danny Citrinowicz, a fellow at the Atlantic Council, said the deal's success would depend on its enforcement. Citrinowicz said the deal looked "good on paper," but added that until it was implemented, "it would be hard to know whether Israel can really build on these kind of guarantees coming from the U.S. administration."
Tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border remained high even as the ceasefire was finalized. Earlier Tuesday, Israel and Hezbollah exchanged some of their heaviest fire in months, with rockets and airstrikes marking the ongoing volatility.
The ceasefire also shifts attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where violence between Israel and Hamas continues unabated. Blinken suggested that resolving tensions in Lebanon could help in Gaza, saying, "In particular, Hamas will know it can't count on other fronts opening up in the war."
