Permanent Ceasefire Agreement: US & France Broker Peace Between Israel and Hezbollah

Permanent Ceasefire Agreement: US & France Broker Peace Between Israel and Hezbollah

November 27, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor World

US President Joe Biden announced a ceasefire deal to end 13 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia in Lebanon. The US and France stated that the agreement aims to stop fighting in Lebanon and protect Israel from Hezbollah and other terrorist groups.

Key Points of the Ceasefire Deal

  1. Permanent Ceasefire

    Biden described the agreement as a “permanent ceasefire.” The deal requires Hezbollah to withdraw its fighters and weapons from the area between the Blue Line (the unofficial border between Israel and Lebanon) and the Litani River, about 30 kilometers north.

  2. Lebanese Army Deployment

    The Lebanese army will deploy 5,000 troops to replace Hezbollah fighters. They are tasked with ensuring that weaponry is removed and cannot be rebuilt. However, there are concerns about the army’s ability to enforce the ceasefire due to limited resources.

  3. Gradual Withdrawal of Israeli Forces

    Israel will gradually withdraw its forces and civilians over 60 days. This move aims to allow civilians on both sides to return home safely.

  4. Monitoring the Agreement

    The US and France will monitor the implementation of the ceasefire alongside the UN peacekeeping force (Unifil). The agreement mirrors UN Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.

  5. Israel’s Right to Respond

    Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel would retain its right to respond to any violations by Hezbollah. This includes military action if Hezbollah attempts to rebuild its infrastructure or attack Israel. Biden supported this stance, emphasizing Israel’s right to defend itself under international law while also respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Conclusion

The ceasefire deal represents a critical step in reducing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. It focuses on military withdrawals and stability while ensuring monitoring to prevent further conflicts. The success of this agreement will depend on cooperation from both sides and international support.