A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, brokered by the United States and France, was announced early Wednesday morning, following intense negotiations aimed at halting hostilities along the Blue Line. The agreement includes a series of commitments from both sides to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701, which aims to ensure lasting peace and security.
Key elements of the deal include a cessation of hostilities starting at 4:00 AM on November 27, 2024. Lebanon agrees to prevent Hezbollah and other armed groups from operating against Israel, while Israel commits to halting military operations within Lebanese territory. Both countries pledge to work toward the full implementation of UNSCR 1701, which calls for the disarmament of non-state armed groups in Lebanon.
As part of the agreement, Lebanon’s official military and security forces will control arms within its borders, with steps to dismantle unauthorized arms production facilities, starting in the southern Litani region. The deployment of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to the area will be supported by the international community, including the United States and France.
The deal also includes a reformulation of the tripartite monitoring mechanism involving UNIFIL, Israel, and Lebanon to ensure enforcement of the agreement. Additionally, the United States has reportedly committed to providing intelligence to Israel about potential violations and reinforcing Israel’s right to self-defense under international law.
This agreement is seen as a crucial step toward reducing tensions and fostering stability in the region.
