Amidst a backdrop of devastating conflict, Israel has declared a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah in Lebanon, marking a potential turning point in the ongoing crisis. The announcement, made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, followed intense weeks of airstrikes, rocket fire, and significant loss of life on both sides. Netanyahu dramatically declared that Hezbollah is “not the same Hezbollah anymore,” claiming the group has been pushed “decades back” by the Israeli military offensive.
According to reports from Channel 12 TV, the ceasefire is expected to take immediate effect. In a strongly worded statement, Netanyahu declared that Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah (referred to as “the head of the snake”), along with other top commanders, had been killed. He further boasted of significant damage inflicted on Hezbollah’s military capabilities, stating, “We’ve destroyed most of the rockets and missiles. We’ve killed thousands of terrorists, and we destroyed the underground and terrorist infrastructure near our borders.” He framed these achievements as previously unimaginable, stating they “sounded like science fiction” just three months prior.
While emphasizing his commitment to the safety of Israeli soldiers, Netanyahu stated that a plan for a ceasefire in Lebanon will be presented to the full cabinet. He clarified that the duration of this ceasefire hinges on the developments within Lebanon. Importantly, Netanyahu stressed that Israel maintains the right to respond militarily should Hezbollah violate the terms of the agreement. He declared explicitly, “If Hezbollah tries to attack us, if it arms itself and rebuilds infrastructure near the border – we will attack. If they launch missiles, if they dig big tunnels – we will attack.”
The ceasefire agreement appears to be a joint effort, with the US and France playing key mediating roles. A senior Lebanese official, as quoted by Reuters, indicated that the agreement will lead to an official ceasefire declaration by US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron. This collaborative approach underscores the international significance of the situation.
However, despite the diplomatic progress, the situation remains tense. Israel continued to significantly increase its airstrike campaign across Beirut and other areas of Lebanon even as the ceasefire was announced. The conflict in Gaza, where Israel is engaged in a separate battle with Hamas, remains unresolved, and there is no immediate indication that the Lebanon ceasefire will impact the situation there.
Key aspects of the agreement include the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army to the region. Hezbollah will be required to cease its armed presence along the border south of the Litani River. Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib noted that the Lebanese army plans to deploy at least 5,000 troops to the south as Israeli forces withdraw, and the United States could play a vital role in rebuilding the infrastructure devastated by the conflict. Israel has also demanded strong UN enforcement of the ceasefire, vowing “zero tolerance” for any violations.
The hours leading up to the announcement witnessed intensified Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The Israeli military reported hitting 20 targets in just 120 seconds, resulting in at least seven deaths and 37 injuries, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Israel also issued its largest evacuation warning yet, urging civilians to leave 20 locations.
This conflict has exacted a heavy toll. Over the past year, Lebanon’s health ministry reports over 3,750 deaths and over one million displaced individuals, a figure which doesn’t differentiate between combatants and civilians. Hezbollah strikes in northern Israel and the Golan Heights have resulted in 45 civilian deaths, while Israeli authorities report at least 73 Israeli soldiers killed in northern Israel, the Golan Heights, and in southern Lebanon.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed deep concern about the escalating violence, noting reports of nearly 100 deaths from Israeli airstrikes, including women, children, and medical personnel. The long-term impact of this conflict, even with the announced ceasefire, remains uncertain, highlighting the fragility of peace in the region and the complex challenges that lie ahead in the process of rebuilding and reconciliation.
