US and France Broker Ceasefire to End Months of Devastating Conflict Between Israel and Hezbollah

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Washington: After two months of intense conflict, a ceasefire deal has been brokered by the United States and France to end the devastating war between Israel and Hezbollah. The agreement aims to bring peace to the Lebanon-Israel border area and facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon over the next 60 days.

1. Ceasefire Timeline and Initial Implementation: The ceasefire is set to take effect at 4:00 AM local time Wednesday, marking the beginning of a halt to all hostilities. A senior US official confirmed that "all fire will stop from all parties," including Israeli and Hezbollah forces. This pause in fighting will give Lebanon's military and security forces time to deploy to southern Lebanon, securing the region ahead of Israel’s phased withdrawal.

2. Phased Israeli Withdrawal and Hezbollah’s Role: As part of the ceasefire, Israeli forces are required to hold their positions while Lebanese forces move into the southern regions. This 60-day period is crucial for preventing a power vacuum that could allow Hezbollah or other militant groups to occupy the space. Additionally, Hezbollah must withdraw its forces from the southern border and move further north to the Litani River, a requirement outlined in a 2006 UN Security Council resolution.

3. US and France’s Commitment to the Agreement: Both the United States and France have emphasized their ongoing support to ensure the ceasefire is upheld. President Joe Biden stated that the US, along with France and other allies, will provide necessary assistance to facilitate the agreement’s full implementation. While the US will not deploy ground troops, it will actively monitor the situation to prevent violations and provide support to Lebanese forces through equipment, training, and resources.

4. Lebanon’s Reassertion of Sovereignty: The deal represents a potential turning point for Lebanon, which has struggled with Hezbollah’s presence in its southern regions. With Hezbollah weakened militarily and politically, the ceasefire offers Lebanon an opportunity to reclaim control over its territory. The US official underscored the importance of this moment, noting that Lebanon’s military and state security forces will gradually take full control of their own land.

5. Potential Impact on the Gaza Conflict: The Lebanon ceasefire could serve as a stepping stone towards a broader peace effort in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza. US officials believe that Hezbollah’s decision to separate its conflict with Israel from that of Hamas in Gaza will shift regional dynamics. This separation may weaken Hamas’s position, as they no longer have the support of Hezbollah in their fight against Israel.