Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah Takes Effect as Civilians Return to Southern Lebanon
A ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-supported group Hezbollah has come into effect following an agreement facilitated by the US and France, marking a rare diplomatic achievement in a region that has endured conflict for over a year.
Lebanon’s army, responsible for ensuring that the ceasefire is upheld, announced it is preparing to deploy to the southern part of the country.
The military also urged residents of border villages to postpone their return until the Israeli military, which has previously engaged in conflicts with Hezbollah and pushed approximately 6km into Lebanese territory, has withdrawn.
This morning, Israeli forces targeted multiple vehicles carrying suspected individuals to prevent access to a restricted area in Lebanese territory, causing them to disperse, according to a statement from the Israeli military.
President Biden indicated that his administration is also advocating for a challenging ceasefire in Gaza, suggesting the potential for normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
The Department of Defence has expressed support for the newly established ceasefire and emphasized that UNIFIL – the UN mission in Lebanon, to which Ireland contributes troops – will continue to play a crucial peacekeeping role in the region.
In their statement, the Department confirmed that the Defence Forces will maintain their mission in southern Lebanon.
Gunfire was heard across Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, after the ceasefire was instituted at 2am Irish time.
It was unclear whether the gunfire was celebratory, as it was also employed to alert residents who might have missed evacuation notifications from the Israeli military.
Displaced individuals have begun their return to homes in southern Lebanon.
Reuters witnesses reported streams of cars filled with people returning to southern Lebanon after being displaced by Israeli strikes in recent months. Other families were seen returning to the bombed-out suburbs of southern Beirut, proudly bearing Hezbollah flags.
President Biden addressed the nation from the White House yesterday shortly after Israel’s security cabinet ratified the agreement with a 10-1 vote.
He mentioned that he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, stating that the fighting would cease at 4am local time (2am Irish time).
“This is intended to be a permanent cessation of hostilities,” Mr. Biden stated. “Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations will not be permitted to again pose a threat to Israel’s security.”
According to Mr. Biden, Israel will gradually withdraw its forces over 60 days while ensuring that Lebanon’s army takes control of the territory near its border with Israel to prevent Hezbollah from reestablishing its infrastructure in the area.
“Civilians on both sides will soon be able to safely return to their communities,” he added.
Men gesture and wave flags as they drive between Sidon and Tyre.
Hezbollah has not officially commented on the ceasefire; however, senior official Hassan Fadlallah mentioned in an interview with Lebanon’s Al Jadeed TV that the group supports the increase of the Lebanese state’s authority but believes it will emerge from the conflict stronger.
“Thousands will join the resistance… Disarming the resistance was an Israeli proposal that failed,” said Mr. Fadlallah, who also serves as a member of Lebanon’s parliament.
Iran, which supports both Hezbollah and the Palestinian group Hamas, as well as the Houthi rebels attacking Israel from Yemen, voiced its approval of the ceasefire.
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that the agreement is the “culmination of efforts undertaken for many months with the Israeli and Lebanese authorities, in close collaboration with the United States.”
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Mikati issued a statement expressing support for the agreement.
People displaced by the conflict rest in Martyrs Square, Beirut, as the ceasefire takes effect.
Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib announced that the Lebanese army is set to deploy at least 5,000 troops in southern Lebanon during the Israeli withdrawal.
Mr. Netanyahu indicated his willingness to implement a ceasefire but emphasized a robust response to any violation by Hezbollah.
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He outlined that the ceasefire would enable Israel to concentrate on the threat from Iran, provide an opportunity for the army to restock supplies, and isolate Hamas, the group whose attack on Israel from Gaza last year triggered the regional conflict.
“In full cooperation with the United States, we retain complete military latitude. If Hezbollah breaches the agreement or attempts to rearm, we will respond decisively,” Mr. Netanyahu asserted.
Hezbollah, which aligns itself with Hamas, has been significantly weakened compared to its position at the start of the conflict, as he further claimed, “We have pushed it back for decades, eliminated its top leaders, destroyed most of its rockets and missiles, neutralized thousands of fighters, and dismantled years of terror infrastructure along our border.”
A senior US official, speaking anonymously to reporters, noted that the US and France would collaborate with the UNIFIL peacekeeping force to establish a mechanism aimed at deterring potential violations of the ceasefire. It was clarified that US combat forces would not be deployed.
People wave the flag of Hezbollah as they drive through Beirut following the ceasefire announcement.
In the hours leading up to the ceasefire, hostilities intensified as Israel escalated its airstrike campaign in Beirut and other regions of Lebanon, with health authorities reporting at least 18 fatalities.
The Israeli military claimed to have targeted “components of Hezbollah’s financial management and systems,” including a money-exchange office. In response, Hezbollah maintained its rocket fire into Israel until the final moments.
The Israeli air force intercepted three rockets launched from Lebanese territory, the military reported, during a significant missile barrage last night that set off warning sirens in around 115 settlements.
A poll conducted by Israel’s Channel 12 TV found that 37% of Israelis supported the ceasefire, while 32% were against it.
Opposition against the deal in Israel includes leaders from the opposition and heads of towns near the border with Lebanon, advocating for a depopulated buffer zone on the Lebanese side.
Both the Lebanese government and Hezbollah have insisted that the return of displaced civilians to southern Lebanon is a crucial aspect of the agreement.
Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a right-wing member of Netanyahu’s government, expressed concerns on X that the agreement does not guarantee the return of Israelis to their homes in the northern part of the country and doubted the Lebanese army’s capability to counter Hezbollah.
“To exit Lebanon safely, we must establish our own security buffer,” Mr. Ben-Gvir stated.
