The United States President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday that Israel has reached a cease-fire agreement with Hezbollah terrorists, effectively concluding nearly fourteen months of intense conflict.
The announcement was made from the White House Rose Garden, where Biden emphasized the mutual agreement between Israel and Lebanon while underlining that Israel retains its right to self-defense should Hezbollah violate the pact.
Biden stated “Let us be clear. Israel did not initiate this war, nor did the Lebanese people or the United States desire it”. He highlighted the necessity for security in both nations, declaring that the resolution could not solely be achieved through military engagement.
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Biden disclosed that a team has been directed to collaborate with Israeli and Lebanese officials to establish a cease-fire, aiming to end hostilities between the two parties. He emphasizeed that Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations must not be permitted to jeopardize Israel’s security again.
In a joint statement released with French President Emmanuel Macron, Biden remarked that the cease-fire would restore tranquility, allowing residents from both countries to safely return home along the Blue Line, which demarcates the border between Israel and Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude towards the United States for its role in facilitating the cease-fire, asserting Israel’s ongoing right to self-defense during any violations. Following an extensive discussion, Netanyahu’s security Cabinet approved the cease-fire proposal, with a decisive majority supporting the decision.
The conflict escalated after Hezbollah conducted attacks against Israel following Hamas’s assault on October 7, 2023. Netanyahu pointed out that ending hostilities with Hezbollah would isolate Hamas in the Gaza Strip and facilitate the recovery of hostages taken during the initial attacks.
As part of the cease-fire, Hezbollah is expected to relocate its forces north of the Litani River, a crucial area located approximately twenty miles from the Israeli border. Meanwhile, a five-nation committee, including representatives from the United States and France, will oversee compliance with the agreement.
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