President Biden announced Tuesday that that United States assisted in securing a ceasefire deal. Israel has agreed to the ceasefire deal with Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah that would end nearly 14 months of fighting. Under the deal, which is set to go into effect Wednesday at 4 a.m. local time, the fighting at the Israel-Lebanese border will end.
Mr. Biden said on the White House South Lawn: “Today, I have some good news to report from the Middle East. I just spoke with the prime minister of Israel and Lebanon. I’m pleased to announce that their governments have accepted the United States’ proposal to end the devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. I want to thank President Macron of France for his partnership in reaching this moment.”
Biden’s announcement came as Israel’s Cabinet approved the ceasefire after urging from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The war between Israel and the Iran-backed group has killed almost 3,800 people in Lebanon over the last year and left about 16,000 others wounded.
Biden said the deal was “designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities,” adding that the U.S., and partners including France, “will make sure this deal is implemented fully. Let me be clear, if Hezbollah or anyone else breaks the deal, and poses a direct threat to Israel, then Israel retains the right to self-defense consistent with international law.”
Shortly after the president’s announcement, Netanyahu said in a statement that his Cabinet had approved the U.S.-brokered deal, 10 ministers to one: “Israel appreciates the U.S. contribution to the process, and reserves its right to act against any threat to its security,” adding that he spoke with Biden and “thanked him for the US involvement in achieving the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and for the understanding that Israel maintains freedom of action in enforcing it.”
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