US President Joe Biden has confirmed that a truce is set to take effect on Wednesday November 27, 2024 after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would allow Israel to primarily focus on Hamas and Iran.
The ceasefire is set to begin at 4:00 am local time (0200 GMT), President Biden announced during a White House statement, following confirmation from Netanyahu’s office that Israeli ministers had approved the agreement.
The United States, European Union, United Nations, and G7 have all urged for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, after over a year of ongoing conflict.
As Israel’s primary ally and military supporter, Biden called the agreement “good news” and a “new beginning” for Lebanon.
Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Biden for his “involvement” in facilitating the agreement.
According to the Israeli Prime Minister’s office, ten ministers voted in favor of the deal, while one minister opposed it.
Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the ceasefire would protect Israel from Hezbollah and create the foundation for a “lasting calm.”
In a joint statement, both the United States and France pledged to ensure the agreement is “fully implemented.”
Ahead of a vote by his security cabinet, Netanyahu addressed the nation in a televised statement, saying, “The duration of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon.”
The announcement came after the heaviest airstrikes on Beirut in recent days, including multiple attacks in the city center, following Israel’s intensification of airstrikes and the deployment of ground troops in late September.
As the ceasefire neared, the Israeli army issued an order for the evacuation of residents from areas in central Beirut and the southern suburbs of the city.
Hezbollah has not officially commented on the ceasefire but launched drone attacks on Tel Aviv in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Beirut.
The militant group also claimed responsibility for further attacks on northern Israel after the truce was announced.
Despite significant losses, including the death of its leader, Hezbollah did not directly participate in the ceasefire talks, with Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri mediating.
The international community, including the G7, urged for an immediate ceasefire. The ceasefire aims to establish a “permanent cessation of hostilities,” with the Lebanese army taking control of the border area to prevent further threats from Hezbollah.
Israel will maintain the freedom to act against Hamas in Gaza, and the deal is seen as a step toward de-escalating tensions in the region.
