The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to a US-sponsored ceasefire proposal that will involve the deployment of Lebanese troops in southern Lebanon and the withdrawal of Israeli forces over the next two months, as announced by US President Joe Biden today.
“Effective at 4 am tomorrow local time, hostilities along the Lebanese-Israeli border will cease,” Biden stated in a White House address. “This aims to be a permanent cessation of fighting.”
Biden emphasized that Hezbollah, the powerful Iranian-backed Lebanese group, “will not be permitted” to threaten Israel any further.
“This ceasefire will allow civilians on both sides to safely return to their homes and begin to reconstruct their communities, schools, farms, businesses, and lives,” Biden said.
While the US does not negotiate directly with Hezbollah, a senior official from the Biden administration informed reporters that they have “verified adherence by all parties in Lebanon.”
The official noted that while negotiating with the Lebanese government, they understood that the government was also communicating with both Hezbollah and Iran, setting clear expectations.
Hezbollah has faced significant Israeli strikes and intelligence operations in recent months, which have resulted in numerous casualties among its members, including many senior leaders. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mitaki stated via social media that the Lebanese government welcomed the ceasefire.
Biden’s remarks followed an announcement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated he would present a “ceasefire outline” to his cabinet for approval, simultaneously issuing a cautionary note.
“The duration of the ceasefire will depend on developments in Lebanon. With the full understanding of the United States, we retain complete military action rights,” Netanyahu warned. “If Hezbollah violates the agreement or attempts to arm itself, we will respond. Any rocket launches, tunnel diggings, or truck deliveries of rockets will also result in an attack.”
Biden mentioned that the US and France would provide “necessary assistance” to ensure compliance with the ceasefire conditions, but affirmed that US troops would not be deployed to Lebanon.
According to a senior administration official, the ceasefire agreement includes the establishment of a forum involving the US, France, Israeli and Lebanese military officials, and United Nations peacekeepers (UNIFIL) to address ceasefire and border violation concerns. The US will take the chair in this mechanism, aiming to efficiently manage any arising disputes.
The official expressed hope that Hezbollah and Israel would uphold the agreement, expecting Lebanese military and security forces to engage directly with Israelis to resolve any issues.
The Biden administration has also briefed president-elect Donald Trump’s transition team on the details of the ceasefire deal, and the team reportedly seems supportive of the initiative, perceiving it as beneficial for both parties.
It is important to note that this ceasefire agreement does not extend to Gaza, where Israeli military operations are ongoing, and Israeli and American hostages remain captive. Biden also called for an end to the conflict in Gaza and the release of hostages.
Towards the end of his remarks, Biden urged Israel to “be bold in transforming tactical victories against Iran and its proxies into a coherent strategy that secures Israel’s long-term safety and promotes broader peace and prosperity in the region.”
In response to the announcement, Maroun Hitti, a retired brigadier general in the Lebanese Armed Forces, stated to Breaking Defense that he viewed the acceptance of a ceasefire as a setback for Hezbollah.
“Hezbollah would have had to abandon its attempt to connect the Lebanese front with Gaza support, leading to a collapse of the ‘unity of the fronts’ strategy,” Hitti noted.
More broadly, Ali Bakir, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, pointed out that a ceasefire could raise fundamental questions about Hezbollah, especially given the heavy toll on its leadership from Israeli operations.
“The crucial question is: What is the purpose of Hezbollah’s arsenal if it cannot effectively combat Israel or protect its leaders, the Shiite community, and Lebanon, as the party has claimed for years?”
