11/26 – International News Update

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday an agreement for a ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, marking a crucial step toward preventing a broader regional war.

In a speech delivered in Hebrew, Netanyahu emphasized that the ceasefire would allow Israel to concentrate on the threat from Hamas in Gaza and Iran’s influence in the region. He later announced that the Israeli Security Cabinet just approved the US-led ceasefire proposal with a 10-1 vote in favor. [Reuters]

“Israel appreciates the US contribution to the process, and maintains its right to act against any threat to its security,” he said on X. He said he had thanked President Biden “for the US involvement in achieving the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and for the understanding that Israel maintains freedom of action in enforcing it.”

The Lebanese government, which includes representatives from Hezbollah, is set to vote on the agreement on Wednesday. Hezbollah’s response was cautious, with Mahmoud Qamati, the group’s deputy political leader, commenting on Hezbollah-operated television, “We doubt Netanyahu’s commitment, who has accustomed us to deception, and we will not allow him to pass a trap through the agreement.”

The agreement, brokered with the involvement of the United States and France, is seen as a diplomatic success for the Biden administration. Negotiations led by U.S. special envoy Amos Hochstein played a pivotal role in facilitating the deal.

The ceasefire, scheduled to take effect at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday, includes provisions for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and the deployment of Lebanese forces in the area. Hezbollah is expected to retreat from positions south of the Litani River. Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib confirmed plans for deploying 5,000 troops and rebuilding infrastructure damaged by Israeli strikes.

A senior U.S. official revealed that Israeli forces would not immediately withdraw from Lebanon following the newly announced ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. Instead, the withdrawal will occur in phases, with all Israeli forces expected to leave within 60 days.

The official also outlined plans for the U.S. and France to join an existing tripartite mechanism, which will be restructured and enhanced to support the ceasefire’s implementation. This initiative includes collaboration with the Lebanese Army to prevent potential violations, as well as participation in a military technical committee comprising various armed forces. The committee will focus on providing equipment, training, and financial assistance to strengthen Lebanon’s military capabilities.

Additionally, the Biden administration has briefed President-elect Trump’s national security team on the terms of the agreement, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in U.S. policy regarding the deal, the official added. [Reuters]

In a joint statement, U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed commitment to ensuring the ceasefire’s full implementation, highlighting its potential to foster long-term stability in the region. Biden clarified that no U.S. troops would be deployed in Lebanon, reaffirming his promise to avoid direct military involvement.

“This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities,” Biden said. “What is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations will not be allowed to threaten the security of Israel again.”

The deal not only aims to restore peace in Lebanon but also paves the way for intensified efforts toward a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Biden stressed that Hamas must release hostages, including American citizens, as a step toward ending the conflict and allowing humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza.