The Israeli government has approved a US- and France-brokered ceasefire deal with Hezbollah in Lebanon, as announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on 26 November 2024.
The ceasefire aims to end the year-long conflict that has killed 3,800 people and injured 16,000 in Lebanon. Under the agreement, both Israeli forces and Hezbollah will withdraw from south Lebanon within 60 days, with Hezbollah repositioning north of the Litani River. The Lebanese national army and UN peacekeeping forces will secure the vacated areas.
While Lebanon’s foreign minister supports the agreement, Netanyahu highlighted Israel’s “full freedom of military action” and warned of immediate responses to violations. He also cited three strategic reasons for the ceasefire:
- Countering Iranian threats,
- Resupplying Israeli forces amid delays in advanced weaponry deliveries, and
- Isolating Hamas by preventing a multi-front conflict.
The deal has received international backing, with French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden committing to its enforcement.
