Jerusalem: Paving the way to end the conflict in Lebanon, Israel’s security cabinet on Tuesday approved a ceasefire deal with Iran-backed Hezbollah. This was announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on the same day.
“The political-security cabinet approved this evening the United States’ proposal for a ceasefire arrangement in Lebanon, by a majority of 10 ministers against one opponent. Israel appreciates the contribution of the United States in the process, and maintains its right to act against any threat to its security,” the statement read, as mentioned by India Today.
The ceasefire deal was brokered by the US and France. It had come into effect at 4 am (local time) on November 27. The ceasefire is likely to halt the war that has killed at least 3,800 people in Lebanon over the last year. More than 16,000 had suffered injuries.
Hezbollah, the only armed group that had refused to surrender its weapons after the Lebanese civil war in 1990, was not present during the truce talks, according to reports. However, Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri had participated in the talks on behalf of Hezbollah.
During the ceasefire, firing will stop from both sides, an official said, as quoted by NDTV. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had added that any violation by Hezbollah would see a forceful retaliation from Israel.
After approval by Israel, French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden had also issued a joint statement in this regard. US President Joe Biden said the deal between Israel and Hezbollah involved Israeli forces withdrawing from Lebanon over 60 days, reported the Alzajeera. The deal also cites that Lebanon’s military will be taking control of territory in the south of the country to ensure Hezbollah does not rebuild forces.
“Fighting across the Israel-Lebanon border would end at 4 am (local time). This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities. What is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organisations will not be allowed to threaten the security of Israel again,” the outgoing US President said.
Hezbollah would also end its armed presence along the border south of the Litani River, according to the ceasefire agreement.
According to reports, Biden also spoke to Netanyahu and Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati after the ceasefire deal.
Earlier, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib had said the Lebanese army would be ready to have at least 5,000 troops deployed in southern Lebanon as Israeli troops withdraw. The United States could play a role in rebuilding infrastructure destroyed by Israeli strikes, he had added.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, reports claimed that hostilities continued on Tuesday as Israel ramped up its military campaign in Beirut and other parts of Lebanon. The Hezbollah also kept up rocket fire into Israel.
The Middle East has been witnessing a tumultuous security situation for over one year after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel.
