Israel's security cabinet on Tuesday approved a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, brokered by the US.
The agreement includes a 60-day transitional period during which Israeli forces must withdraw from Southern Lebanon, the Lebanese army must deploy in areas close to the border, and Hezbollah must move its heavy weaponry north of the Litani River. The deal provides for the establishment of a supervisory committee led by the US to monitor its implementation and address violations.
"Israel will always have the right to respond to threats to its security, as every country does," said Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday at a press conference on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers meeting in Italy.
According to The Times of Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the duration of the ceasefire would depend on whether Hezbollah violates the terms of the agreement. He added that he reached an understanding with the US that Israel "will maintain full military freedom of action." "If Hezbollah violates the agreement and attempts 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 a truck with missiles, we will attack."
However, two sources from Axios reported that regarding strikes on Hezbollah's restored military infrastructure north of the Litani River, Israel can attack only after consulting with the US and if the Lebanese military cannot handle the threat independently. "It is impossible to sign a ceasefire agreement if Israel can shoot in Lebanon at anything and anytime," said one of the American officials.
Netanyahu addressed the nation, noting that ending the war with Lebanon would allow focusing on the Iranian threat. "There was a need to isolate Hamas in Gaza. They counted on Hezbollah fighting alongside them. Now they are left alone. The pressure on them will increase, and this will help free our hostages," he said.
Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati announced on social media X that Lebanon welcomes the ceasefire agreement, and the Lebanese government intends to fulfill the UN Security Council resolution regarding Southern Lebanon and increase the number of Lebanese troops at the border.
In his speech regarding the agreement, Joe Biden emphasized that there would be no American soldiers in Southern Lebanon, but the US and France would assist in implementing the agreement.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the agreement would reduce tensions in the region and could help conclude a hostage agreement in Gaza and a ceasefire because the militants "will know that the cavalry is not coming," referring to Hezbollah.
After the ceasefire on Wednesday, Hamas announced its readiness to conclude a similar deal, writes AFP citing a representative of the movement. "We informed mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey that Hamas is ready for a ceasefire agreement and a prisoner exchange deal," the agency quotes the interlocutor.
Photo: Reuters