Israel-Hezbollah cease-fire to start Wednesday morning
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Tuesday that he has agreed to a cease-fire deal with Hezbollah, marking a significant step toward preventing a broader regional conflict.
Speaking in Hebrew, Netanyahu said, “Tonight, I will present to the cabinet a plan for a cease-fire in Lebanon.” Although the Israeli Cabinet could potentially reject the agreement, approval is widely anticipated.
Netanyahu explained that the cease-fire would allow Israel to redirect its focus to combating Hamas in the Gaza Strip and addressing the broader threat posed by Iran.
Lebanon’s government, which includes representatives of Hezbollah, is expected to vote on the agreement Wednesday. While the proposal seems to enjoy broad support in Lebanon, Hezbollah issued a cautious response.
“We question Netanyahu’s intentions, as he is known for deception, and we will not permit a trap to be hidden in this agreement,” said Mahmoud Qamati, deputy head of Hezbollah’s political council, during an interview on Hezbollah-affiliated television. “We must carefully examine the points Netanyahu agreed to before final approval tomorrow.”
Diplomatic Efforts
The cease-fire, brokered by the United States and France, is a significant diplomatic victory for the Biden administration, which has sought to de-escalate tensions in the region during President Joe Biden's final weeks in office. Special envoy Amos Hochstein facilitated the negotiations, meeting with officials from both Israel and Lebanon. Hochstein had previously expressed optimism that progress was being made.
While Netanyahu did not disclose specific terms of the deal, it remains unclear whether it represents a temporary truce or a more lasting resolution.
Context of the Conflict
The cease-fire is viewed as a stepping stone toward broader de-escalation in the region, including a potential agreement with Hamas in Gaza. The urgency of a deal grew after heightened tensions between Israel and Iran in October, as fears of a wider regional war involving Iranian proxies, including Hezbollah, intensified.
Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah began shortly after the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas. The conflict escalated throughout 2024, with Israel conducting targeted strikes on senior Hezbollah leaders, including its former leader Hassan Nasrallah, and carrying out limited ground incursions into Lebanon. These actions aimed to diminish Hezbollah’s military strength and strengthen Israel’s deterrence against Iran, one of Hezbollah’s main allies.