Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last night that the government would adopt a ceasefire with Lebanese Hezbollah, adding that his country would retain full freedom of action in case of truce violation.
The announcement came after significant international pressure from the United States, European Union, United Nations, and G7 to reach a de-escalation in the region.
According to media sources, the agreement is based on an American proposal for a 60-day truce, during which Hezbollah and the Israeli army would withdraw from southern Lebanon to make way for the Lebanese army to deploy.
Sources clarified that the agreement includes forming an international committee to monitor its implementation, with the United States confirming its support for any Israeli military action if Hezbollah commits hostile acts.
Before the ceasefire announcement, Israel launched a series of violent attacks on Beirut and its suburbs, resulting in the death of at least 10 people according to Lebanese authorities.
During the past months, the clashes resulted in the death of 82 Israeli soldiers and 47 civilians from the Israeli side, while approximately 3,800 people were killed in Lebanon.
Despite international welcome of the agreement, some Israelis expressed opposition, with protesters staging a demonstration outside the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv rejecting the truce.
This agreement comes amid escalating tensions that have continued for over a year, which began following Hezbollah’s attack on October 8, 2023, in support of its ally Hamas.