Israel and Lebanon agree on a ceasefire

Israel's Security Cabinet on Tuesday approved a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, which will begin on Wednesday morning local time, Israeli officials said.

The agreement, which was also approved by the Lebanese side, will end more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. It will also allow hundreds of thousands of civilians on both sides of the border to gradually return home.

More than 3,500 Lebanese have been killed and more than 15,000 injured in the fighting, which began when Hezbollah attacked Israel in the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks and escalated dramatically when Israel launched a ground invasion two months ago. About 140 Israeli soldiers and civilians have been killed.

The ceasefire agreement includes a 60-day transition period during which the Israeli military is to withdraw from southern Lebanon, the Lebanese army is to deploy in areas close to the border, and Hezbollah is to move its heavy weapons north of the Litani River.

Israeli officials said the ceasefire will begin on Wednesday 4am local time.

The deal includes a U.S.-led oversight committee to monitor implementation and address violations.

The U.S. agreed to give Israel a letter of assurances that includes support for Israeli military action against threats from Lebanese territory "according to international law."

"Israel will always have the right to address threats on its security like every country has," Secretary of State Tony Blinken said on Tuesday in a press conference on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers meeting in Italy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said that the duration of the ceasefire will depend on whether Hezbollah violates the deal. He claimed he reached an understanding with the U.S. that Israel will "maintain full military freedom of action."

"If Hezbollah violates the agreement and tries to arm itself, we will attack. If it tries to renew terrorist infrastructure near the border, we will attack. If it launches a rocket, if it digs a tunnel, if it brings in a truck with missiles, we will attack."

• The first is the need to focus on the Iranian threat.

• The second, Netanyahu said, was to allow time to replenish Israel's forces and weapons stocks. "I say it openly: there were major delays in the supply of weapons and ammunition. This delay will be released soon," he said.

• The third reason, according to Netanyahu, was to isolate Hamas in Gaza. "They were counting on Hezbollah to fight alongside them. Now they are left alone. The pressure on them will increase and this will help to free our hostages," he said.

"The Security Cabinet approved the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire arrangement in Lebanon by a majority of 10 ministers to one, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

"Israel appreciates the U.S. contribution to the process, and reserves its right to act against any threat to its security."

Minutes after the security cabinet approved the agreement President Biden spoke with Netanyahu.

Biden also spoke to Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati who told him Lebanon agrees to the ceasefire, a senior U.S. official said.

Biden said that in the coming days, he will make another effort together with Egypt, Qatar and Turkey to push for a hostage-release and ceasefire in Gaza deal. (Source: Axios)