Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a US- and France-brokered ceasefire to take effect Wednesday, ending the conflict along the Israeli-Lebanese border that escalated after the Gaza war last year, Reuters reports.
US President Joe Biden announced the deal, which was approved by Israel’s security cabinet and involves the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops over 60 days while Lebanon’s army assumes control of border areas to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its infrastructure. Both sides agreed to a permanent cessation of hostilities, with civilians able to return to their communities.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the deal, and the Lebanese army plans to deploy troops to southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who supports the ceasefire, warned that any violations by Hezbollah would be met with a strong response.
