Netanyahu backs US‑led ceasefire with Hezbollah amid conflict
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the American proposal for a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon and recommended its adoption by the government. "Under the deal reached today, effective at 4 a.m. tomorrow local time, the fighting across the Lebanese-Israeli border will end," stated U.S. President Joe Biden.
On Tuesday evening, Netanyahu announced his endorsement of the American proposal for a ceasefire in the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon. He intends to recommend that the government accept this agreement.
Netanyahu revealed that the vote on the truce would take place later that same day, though specific details regarding the effective time of the ceasefire were not disclosed. He emphasized that Israel, in agreement with the U.S., retains the freedom to act against Hezbollah.
Netanyahu highlighted three reasons why the ceasefire is advantageous for Israel: first, it allows for a focus on the threat from Iran; second, it provides an opportunity for soldiers to rest and for war supplies to be replenished; and third, it separates the fighting in the north of the country from the conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
U.S. President Joe Biden also announced the implementation of the ceasefire. "Under the deal reached today, effective at 4 a.m. tomorrow local time, the fighting across the Lebanese-Israeli border will end," he stated.
Lebanon supports the ceasefire
Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been regularly shelling Israel since the outbreak of the war in the Gaza Strip. Israel has responded with massive airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon. The American proposal for the truce is also expected to be accepted by the Lebanese government.
The agreement, developed by American and French diplomacy, is based on the UN Security Council resolution from 2006. It calls for Hezbollah's withdrawal from southern Lebanon and for the state's armed forces to take control. The first phase of the ceasefire is to last 60 days.
Israel underscores that the objective of the offensive is to eliminate the threat from Hezbollah. In attacks by this organization, over 100 Israelis have been killed and about 60,000 have been evacuated. In contrast, since October 2023, Israeli attacks have resulted in over 3,800 Lebanese deaths, mainly civilians.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was among those who commented on the matter. "The announced ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is very encouraging news. First and foremost for the Lebanese & Israeli people affected by the fighting. Lebanon will have an opportunity to increase internal security and stability thanks to Hezbollah’s reduced influence," she wrote on the X platform.
