A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday, concluding over a year of hostilities. The truce follows Israel’s Security Cabinet’s approval of a U.S.-brokered agreement, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir casting the sole dissenting vote.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked President Joe Biden for U.S. efforts in achieving the ceasefire. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s right to respond “forcefully” to violations by Hezbollah and stressed that Israel retains operational freedom.
Under the agreement, Israeli forces will withdraw from Southern Lebanon over 60 days, allowing the Lebanese Army to secure areas south of the Litani River. The pact mandates Hezbollah’s retreat north of the river, along with the dismantling of unauthorized weapons and facilities. Compliance will be monitored by the U.S., France, and a joint enforcement committee.
The ceasefire builds on U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for Hezbollah’s demilitarization south of the Litani. Both sides have pledged to respect self-defense rights, and arms transfers to Lebanon will be overseen by its government.
Nearly 70,000 northern Israeli residents were displaced during the conflict, with Hezbollah firing 16,000 rockets and drones into Israel since October 2023. The IDF’s “Operation Northern Arrows” resulted in 45 civilian and 79 military fatalities on the Israeli side. The conflict saw significant Israeli strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure, including command centers and weapons facilities.
Despite concerns of last-minute escalations, sirens ceased sounding before the truce, though minor violations were reported afterward. The IDF remains stationed in Southern Lebanon to ensure compliance, warning residents against returning to villages prematurely.
U.S. officials pledged to monitor violations and prevent destabilizing actions by Iran, Hezbollah’s primary backer. Israeli leaders, including President Isaac Herzog, emphasized that the agreement’s success hinges on strict enforcement and readiness to respond to any breach.
