Israel okays US-brokered ceasefire with Hezbollah, vows to hit back at every violation

Israel’s security cabinet late Tuesday approved a US-brokered ceasefire that aims to end almost 14 months of Hezbollah-initiated fighting across the northern border, with the national security cabinet voting 10-1 to approve the measure.

Minutes later, US President Joe Biden announced from the Rose Garden that the ceasefire would come into effect at 4 a.m. Wednesday morning, Israel- and Lebanon-time.

The agreement, which has not yet been published, reportedly provides for a 60-day transition period during which the IDF will withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon; the Lebanese Army will deploy some 5,000 troops to south of the Litani River, including at 33 posts along the border with Israel; Hezbollah forces will leave southern Lebanon, and its military infrastructure will be dismantled. The US is also reportedly providing a side letter specifying Israel’s rights to respond to Hezbollah violations of the ceasefire.  (Read More)