Though violence still exists in Beirut, Israel’s Cabinet supports a U.S.-backed truce with Hezbollah because of current tensions.
Highlights
- Israel’s Cabinet voted 10-1 in favor of approving the ceasefire plan.
- Israeli soldiers will leave as Lebanese forces seize control of southern Lebanon.
- Long after the declaration of the truce, bombing in Beirut continued.
- Israel and the United States both highlight Israel’s right to react to any Hezbollah threat.
- The ceasefire does not affect continuous Israeli operations directed at Hamas in Gaza.
Against the continuous conflict in the area, Israel’s Cabinet has endorsed a U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in a notable turnabout.
The Cabinet decided on the choice during a Tuesday night meeting, following protracted talks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan received approval with a vote of 10-1, with far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir being the only dissenting voice.
Just five hours after the public announcement, the truce deal entered into force on Wednesday, local time, at 4 a.m.
Shortly thereafter, President Joe Biden confirmed the White House’s specifics, stating that the Lebanese army and security forces would station in southern Lebanon over the next sixty days to seize Hezbollah’s formerly controlled territory.
The departure of Israeli troops from the area will allow residents on both sides of the border to return safely to their homes.
However, the declaration of a truce was overshadowed by immediate bloodshed, as the bombing in Beirut persisted while Biden was speaking.
While maintaining Israel’s right to strike against any dangers to its national security, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office expressed thanks for the U.S.’s help in enabling the truce.
Netanyahu underlined the intricacy of the matter and pointed out that Hezbollah’s behavior largely determines the success of the ceasefire.
“What happens in Lebanon determines the length of the ceasefire,” he said, underscoring Israel’s will to react harshly to any infringement.
Biden underlined the American commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense against any threats resulting from Hezbollah, labeling the group as a terrorist entity.
Netanyahu underlined Israel’s military successes against Hezbollah, including the killing of important figures and the destruction of weapons used against Israel.
Although this truce solves the battle with Hezbollah, it does not cover the continuous fighting in Gaza, where Israeli actions against Hamas still take place.
Commenting on the situation in Gaza, President Biden also argued for a humanitarian crisis resolution.
He underlined that the people of Gaza demanded a stop to the bloodshed and urged Hamas to negotiate in decent faith about captives, including American citizens.
Reflecting continuous back-channel negotiations between Israeli officials and U.S. envoys, the truce shows a deliberate attempt to calm the area against a background of mounting violence.
Significant military interactions over the last several days, including a large rocket barrage from Hezbollah, have heightened the need to attain a ceasefire deal.
All eyes are on both Israeli and Hezbollah activities in the next few days to ascertain the future of peace and security in the area as tensions stay high and the scenario unfolds.