Beirut/Jerusalem: In a pivotal move, Israel’s War Cabinet has approved a 60-day ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, aiming to halt hostilities that have plagued the region for over a year. The agreement, endorsed late Tuesday night, comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled his support for the deal, which he described as a strategic step to recalibrate Israel’s priorities. The ceasefire has also been lauded by U.S. President Joe Biden as “good news” for the region.
A Fragile Truce Amid Ongoing Conflicts
While the ceasefire marks a temporary pause in the violence along the Israel-Lebanon border, it does not extend to Israel’s ongoing operations against Hamas in Gaza, which show no signs of abating. The exact terms and start date of the Hezbollah ceasefire remain undisclosed, adding an air of uncertainty to the fragile agreement.
Netanyahu, addressing his Cabinet, emphasized that the ceasefire’s longevity depends on Hezbollah’s adherence to the terms. He warned of a “full-force retaliation” in case of any violations, underscoring Israel’s readiness to resume hostilities if provoked.
Why Now? Netanyahu Explains Strategy
Netanyahu outlined three strategic reasons for seeking the ceasefire:
- Refocusing on Iran: By de-escalating with Hezbollah, Israel aims to concentrate its efforts on countering Iran’s influence in the region.
- Military Recovery: The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) require time to replenish weaponry and give soldiers much-needed rest.
- Isolating Hamas: Netanyahu highlighted Iran and Hezbollah’s support for Hamas, stating that a truce with Hezbollah could weaken the group’s alliances, leaving Hamas isolated.
The Human Toll of the Conflict
The year-long conflict has exacted a devastating human cost. Lebanon reports over 3,768 casualties, with the majority occurring in the past two months. On the Israeli side, Hezbollah’s attacks have claimed the lives of 82 soldiers and 47 civilians. Meanwhile, the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas has resulted in catastrophic destruction, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 44,000 deaths.
A Year of Escalation
The tensions between Israel and Hezbollah flared on October 8, 2023, a day after Hamas launched a large-scale attack on southern Israel. Hezbollah’s subsequent strikes escalated the conflict, prompting Israel to launch airstrikes on Lebanon and conduct ground operations in its southern regions.
As both sides prepare for a temporary pause, the region watches with cautious optimism, aware that the path to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges. The ceasefire presents an opportunity for reflection and recalibration, but its success hinges on the commitment of all parties to uphold the truce.
