Israeli Security Cabinet Approves Ceasefire Deal In Lebanon

The Israeli Security Cabinet has approved a U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, paving the way for a de-escalation in southern Lebanon.

Under the terms of the deal, Hezbollah forces will retreat north of the Litani River, Israeli troops will withdraw from the region, and Lebanese Army soldiers will be deployed in their place.

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The agreement, brokered by U.S. special envoy Amos Hochstein, establishes a 60-day timeline for the mutual withdrawals and deployments.

A control mechanism led by the United States, with participation from France and the United Kingdom, will oversee compliance and address potential violations.

In a pre-recorded address on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “enforce the agreement and respond forcefully to any violation,” emphasizing Israel’s coordination with the U.S. and its continued military flexibility.

“Should Hezbollah breach the deal or attempt to rearm, we will strike decisively,” he warned. Netanyahu indicated that the full cabinet would vote on the agreement later that evening, with the ceasefire expected to take effect on Wednesday if approved.

Diplomatic sources told Al-Monitor that French participation had been a key sticking point in finalizing the deal, amid strained relations between Israel and France over the wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

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However, Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan, reported that the agreement is expected to ensure the uninterrupted flow of U.S. arms deliveries to Israel.

Speaking in Rome on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the ceasefire was nearing completion, describing it as in “its final stages.”

“I hope and believe that we can get this over the finish line,” Blinken said, adding that the Biden administration was “absolutely committed” to working with President-elect Donald Trump’s team on the deal’s implementation.

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