Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Agreement Takes Effect

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah has come into effect, marking a significant milestone in the 14-month-old war in Lebanon.

Key Provisions of the Agreement

• The agreement stipulates a 60-day truce during which Israeli forces will withdraw from southern Lebanon.

• Hezbollah fighters are expected to pull back to the north of the Litani River, which runs roughly parallel to the Lebanon-Israel border.

• Israel has agreed to withdraw completely from southern Lebanon within the stipulated 60-day timeframe.

International Response

• The United States has welcomed the ceasefire agreement, with President Joe Biden calling it a “historic moment.”

• German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also hailed the deal as a “ray of hope” for the entire region.

• Iran has welcomed the agreement, seeing it as a positive development.

Challenges Ahead

• Despite the ceasefire, there are concerns about how long it will take Lebanon to rebuild bombarded neighborhoods.

• The war has displaced over 1.2 million people, making reconstruction efforts challenging.

• There is also concern about potential future violations of the agreement and how they would be addressed.

Current Situation in Israel and Lebanon

Situation in Israel and Lebanon

• The situation appears relatively calm in Israel, with Hezbollah not setting off air raid sirens since before midnight.

• In Lebanon, there are signs of apparent celebration after the ceasefire took effect.

Key Provisions of the Ceasefire Agreement

• A 60-day truce, during which Israeli forces will withdraw from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah fighters will pull back north of the Litani River.

• Israel will withdraw entirely from southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah will move its heavy weaponry north of the Litani River.

• The Lebanese army will deploy to the buffer border zone alongside the existing UN peacekeeping force.

Reaction to the Ceasefire

The ceasefire has been welcomed by Iran and other international leaders. However, there are concerns about the potential for future violence, particularly given the disagreement over whether Israel would have the right to strike Hezbollah if it believed the militants had violated the agreement.

Impact on Displaced Persons

The war has displaced over 1.2 million people, and it is unclear how long it will take cash-strapped Lebanon to rebuild bombarded neighborhoods.

Next Steps

An international panel led by the United States will monitor compliance with the ceasefire agreement. The Lebanese national army and UN peacekeeping force (Unifil) will be tasked with filling the void left by Israeli troops in southern Lebanon.