A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah held on Wednesday after both sides agreed to a truce brokered by the U.S. and France. This marks a rare diplomatic success in the region, which has seen ongoing violence, especially from Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Lebanon’s army is now focused on ensuring the ceasefire holds, preparing to deploy in the southern regions, which had been heavily bombarded by Israel. Military officials urged residents of border villages to delay returning home until Israeli forces fully withdraw. Despite some minor flare-ups, including Israeli forces firing on suspected Hezbollah operatives near the border, there were no signs the ceasefire was at risk.
The ceasefire agreement, which aims to end the conflict along the Israeli-Lebanese border, is seen as a diplomatic victory, particularly for the U.S. as President Biden’s administration approaches its final months. The deal allows Israel to redirect focus on the ongoing situation in Gaza, where it continues efforts to defeat Hamas.
Lebanese officials have called for Israel to fully withdraw from occupied areas, and some Lebanese citizens have begun returning to their homes in areas devastated by Israeli airstrikes. However, many of the villages have been left in ruins. Israel had previously launched military actions to protect its northern border and ensure the safety of thousands of its citizens displaced by Hezbollah’s rocket attacks.
This ceasefire is also seen as a significant achievement in the broader Middle Eastern context, with countries like Egypt, Qatar, and Iran expressing support for the agreement. While Hezbollah has not formally commented on the truce, the group’s senior official indicated support for Lebanon’s state authority, while asserting that Hezbollah would emerge stronger from the conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged the deal would help Israel concentrate on the threat from Iran and allow its military to rest and resupply, though he also claimed that Hezbollah’s capabilities have been significantly weakened during the fighting.
