In a televised address on Tuesday, Netanyahu confirmed he would present the ceasefire deal to cabinet ministers – potentially bringing an end to the ongoing fighting in Lebanon
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is in effect in Lebanon after airstrikes pounded targets across the country for months, forcing more than a million civillians to flee their homes.
The deal will see an initial 60-day halt to fighting in Lebanon but has not addressed the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. It came after a televised address by Netanyahu, who confirmed he would present the ceasefire deal to cabinet ministers on Tuesday night.
But the Prime Minister warned that Israel wouldn’t hold back in responding to any violations of the deal and would “maintain full freedom of military action” in Lebanon “with the United States’ full understanding”. Netanyahu referenced various breaches, including Hezbollah attempting to arm itself or rebuilding infrastructure as valid reasons for Israel to attack again.
The ceasefire, announced by the US and France on Tuesday night, came into force at 4am local time.
It will see Israeli troops withdraw from Lebanon while Hezbollah will move north of the Litani River, roughly 30km north of the border with Israel. It will also allow tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border to return to their homes.
US President Joe Biden says the deal is designed to be permanent, while Israel has reserved the right to strike Hezbollah, should they violate the agreement. As part of the deal, the Lebanese army is also set to deploy to southern Lebanon.
Earlier, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz insisted that the military would strike Hezbollah if the UN peacekeeping force doesn’t provide “effective enforcement” of the deal.
“If you don’t act, we will act, and with great force,” Katz said, speaking with UN special envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. According to the European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, the security concerns will be addressed in the French-brokered deal. “There is not an excuse for not implementing a ceasefire. Otherwise, Lebanon will fall apart,” Borrell told reporters in Italy. According to Borrell the French had been asked to participate in the cease-fire deal at the request of Lebanon.
