Netanyahu backs US‑brokered ceasefire with Hezbollah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his support for the American proposal for a ceasefire in the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon on Tuesday evening. Netanyahu intends to recommend that the government accept this agreement.

Netanyahu mentioned that the vote on the truce would take place later that same day. Details regarding the effective time of the ceasefire were not disclosed. The Prime Minister emphasised that Israel, in agreement with the U.S., maintains the freedom to act against Hezbollah.

Netanyahu highlighted three reasons why the ceasefire is beneficial for Israel. First, it allows a focus on the threat from Iran. Second, it enables soldiers to rest and replenish war supplies. Third, it separates the fighting in the north of the country from the conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The entrance into force of the ceasefire was also announced by U.S. President Joe Biden. "I'm pleased to announce that their governments have accepted the United States' proposal to end the devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah," he stated.

Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been regularly shelling Israel since the outbreak of the war in the Gaza Strip. Israel responds with massive airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon. The American proposal for the truce was also expected to be accepted by the Lebanese government.

The agreement, developed by American and French diplomats, is based on the UN Security Council resolution from 2006. It calls for Hezbollah's withdrawal from southern Lebanon and for control to be taken over by the state's armed forces. The first phase of the ceasefire is to last 60 days.

Israel emphasises that the objective of the offensive is to eliminate the threat from Hezbollah. In attacks by this organisation, over 100 Israelis have been killed, and about 60,000 have been evacuated. In contrast, in Israeli attacks since October 2023, over 3,800 Lebanese, mainly civilians, have been killed.

The matter was already commented on by, among others, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. "The announced ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is very encouraging news. First and foremost for the Lebanese & Israeli people affected by the fighting. Lebanon will have an opportunity to increase internal security and stability thanks to Hezbollah’s reduced influence," she wrote on the X platform.