Biden Announces Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah, Aiming for Lasting Peace
After 13 months of deadly conflict, US President Joe Biden has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, set to begin at 4:00 a.m. local time (02:00 GMT) on Wednesday. Describing the agreement as a “permanent cessation of hostilities,” Biden expressed hope it would bring stability to the region.
Israel Stands Ready to Act
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the ceasefire but issued a stern warning: Israel would not hesitate to retaliate if Hezbollah violated the agreement. “If Hezbollah re-arms or rebuilds terrorist infrastructure near our border, we will respond with force,” Netanyahu declared.
The Iran-backed Hezbollah has yet to comment on the deal, which comes after a year of escalating violence triggered by the Gaza war. Tensions soared in late September when Israel launched intensified airstrikes and a limited ground incursion into southern Lebanon.
The Ceasefire Agreement
The US-brokered deal, supported by France, outlines a 60-day process during which Israeli forces will withdraw from southern Lebanon. Lebanese government forces are to take control of areas currently dominated by Hezbollah. Additionally, Hezbollah is required to remove its fighters and weapons from the region south of the Litani River—a boundary established after the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.
“This is an opportunity for both nations to rebuild and for displaced residents to return to their homes,” said a joint statement from the US and France, which will oversee the truce’s implementation.
Heavy Toll on Lebanon
The conflict has been catastrophic for Lebanon, with over 3,800 deaths and nearly 16,000 injuries reported. Around one million people have been displaced, while the World Bank estimates economic damages at $8.5 billion. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati called the ceasefire “a critical step toward peace,” urging Israel to fully comply with the agreement and withdraw from occupied areas.
Hezbollah, which has suffered substantial losses, including the deaths of its leader Hassan Nasrallah and his successor Hashem Safieddine, faces an uncertain future. Despite its weakened state, the group remains a significant political and social force in Lebanon, representing a large portion of the Shia Muslim population.
Israel’s Dual Strategy
Netanyahu emphasized that ending the northern conflict would allow Israel to refocus on its primary security concern: Iran. “With Hezbollah sidelined, Hamas in Gaza stands isolated,” he said, highlighting how the ceasefire could relieve pressure on Israeli forces stretched across two fronts.
Military analysts noted that Israel’s defense forces were ill-equipped for prolonged multi-front warfare. Ending hostilities in Lebanon could free up resources and personnel for ongoing operations in Gaza.
A Long Road Ahead
While the ceasefire marks a significant step toward de-escalation, the road to lasting peace is fraught with challenges. The agreement’s success hinges on compliance from all sides, particularly Hezbollah, whose diminished capabilities have left it vulnerable yet resilient.
As Lebanon begins to rebuild, fears of internal unrest loom, with some viewing Hezbollah’s weakened position as an opportunity to reduce its influence. Others caution that any missteps could lead to further instability in a nation already grappling with profound devastation.
For now, the international community watches closely, hoping that this truce can pave the way for a more stable and peaceful future in the Middle East.
