Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire: Key Details of the Historic Agreement
After 13 months of intense conflict, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered with the involvement of US President Joe Biden and France, aims to bring lasting peace to the region. The deal is expected to end hostilities in southern Lebanon and address long-standing security concerns on both sides of the border.
Here’s a breakdown of the agreement and its implications:
A Plan for Permanent Peace
President Biden announced the ceasefire as a step toward permanent peace, stating, “This agreement is designed to be a lasting solution.”
Under the terms, Hezbollah will withdraw all fighters and weapons from the zone stretching between the Blue Line—marking the informal border between Israel and Lebanon—and the Litani River, 30 kilometers (20 miles) further north. This process will take place over a 60-day period.
The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) will step in to take control of the area, tasked with ensuring it remains demilitarized. During the same timeframe, Israel will gradually withdraw its remaining military presence, allowing civilians on both sides to return home.
5,000 Lebanese Troops to Secure the South
To solidify control, Lebanon will deploy 5,000 soldiers to the southern region. However, challenges remain. The Lebanese army has expressed concerns over limited resources—highlighting shortages in funding, manpower, and equipment—which could hinder its ability to fully enforce the terms of the ceasefire.
Still, Western leaders view this as an opportunity for Lebanon to assert sovereignty over its territory and reduce Hezbollah’s influence. A US official suggested that international support, including military aid, may help alleviate the resource gap.
Monitoring the Agreement
Oversight of the ceasefire will align with principles from UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. The resolution mandates that no armed groups other than the Lebanese state and UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) can operate south of the Litani River.
This time, a tripartite mechanism involving the UN, Lebanon, and Israel will be bolstered by US and French involvement. While there will be no US combat troops on the ground, American and French military support will assist the Lebanese Armed Forces.
President Biden emphasized that Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in southern Lebanon “will not be allowed to return.”
Israel’s Stance on Retaliation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that any violations of the agreement by Hezbollah will prompt swift retaliation.
“If Hezbollah attempts to arm itself, rebuild terrorist bases, or launch attacks, we will respond decisively,” Netanyahu warned.
Although Lebanon reportedly rejected Israel’s demand to include a formal retaliation clause in the deal, the US is expected to issue a letter affirming Israel’s right to self-defense.
A Fragile but Significant Step
The ceasefire represents a major diplomatic effort to stabilize one of the Middle East’s most volatile regions. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, including Hezbollah’s compliance and the Lebanese government’s capacity to enforce the terms.
As Biden remarked, “This agreement secures Israel’s safety while respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty. It is a chance for peace—but it must be upheld by all sides.”
The coming months will reveal whether this ceasefire can succeed where others have faltered, offering hope for a region long marred by conflict.
