Israel approves US-proposed cease-fire deal with Lebanon
- 26 November, 21:30
Israel’s cabinet on Wednesday approved a US-backed cease-fire deal with Lebanon, potentially bringing an end to months of war that has killed thousands of people.
The cease-fire proposal submitted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the cabinet for approval on Tuesday evening was approved 10-1. Israel announced the deal shortly after President Joe Biden’s announcement that the deal “is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities”. The deal will go into effect at 4 a.m. local time, Biden said.
Announcing the proposed deal on Tuesday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said the safety of residents in northern Israel had to be guaranteed under the deal. “The emerging arrangement will have to meet only one test – guaranteeing full security for all residents of the north,” he wrote on X platform.
“We as a nation are determined to ensure the security of all the residents of Israel in the north and south and everywhere and to work for the full rehabilitation of the communities and settlements that were affected,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog went on saying.
The Israel-Lebanon peace deal was praised for creating conditions for restoring “lasting calm”, the US and France said in a joint statement.
“The announcement today will cease the fighting in Lebanon, and secure Israel from the threat of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations operating from Lebanon. This announcement will create the conditions to restore lasting calm and allow residents in both countries to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line,” the statement added.
As explained by Biden, under the deal, the Lebanese troops will deploy in southern Lebanon over the next 60 days and take control of the area controlled by Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group. In turn, Israel will withdraw its troops in the next 60 days to ensure safe return of civilians to their homes on both sides of the border.
