Israel has initiated a ceasefire with Lebanon after months of fierce conflict with the Hezbollah group, following international calls for de-escalation in the Middle East. The truce, brokered by the United States and France, was approved by Israel's cabinet in a 10-1 vote and came into effect at 4:00 a.m. local time (7:30 a.m. IST). U.S. President Joe Biden called the development a "new start" for Lebanon.

Hezbollah, which did not directly participate in the truce talks, was represented by Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri. The agreement mandates a halt to hostilities, with Israel warning of swift retaliation for any violations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that this ceasefire would enable Israel to concentrate military efforts on Gaza and counter what he described as the "Iranian threat."

The ceasefire terms outline a phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory over 60 days, alongside the deployment of Lebanese forces to the southern border. Hezbollah is required to retreat north of the Litani River. This arrangement follows the heaviest Israeli airstrikes on Beirut in recent months, conducted just hours before the truce commenced.

The conflict in Gaza continues unabated, with Israel intensifying operations against Hamas. Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to eliminating Hamas, ensuring the safety of northern residents, and securing the release of hostages.

President Biden expressed hope that the Lebanon truce could pave the way for broader peace efforts in Gaza, signaling potential progress toward ending hostilities in the region. The U.S. and its allies have pledged to support the effective implementation of the ceasefire, which some see as a crucial step toward stabilizing the broader Middle East.

Israel has initiated a ceasefire with Lebanon after months of fierce conflict with the Hezbollah group, following international calls for de-escalation in the Middle East. The truce, brokered by the United States and France, was approved by Israel's cabinet in a 10-1 vote and came into effect at 4:00 a.m. local time (7:30 a.m. IST). U.S. President Joe Biden called the development a "new start" for Lebanon.

Hezbollah, which did not directly participate in the truce talks, was represented by Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri. The agreement mandates a halt to hostilities, with Israel warning of swift retaliation for any violations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that this ceasefire would enable Israel to concentrate military efforts on Gaza and counter what he described as the "Iranian threat."

The ceasefire terms outline a phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory over 60 days, alongside the deployment of Lebanese forces to the southern border. Hezbollah is required to retreat north of the Litani River. This arrangement follows the heaviest Israeli airstrikes on Beirut in recent months, conducted just hours before the truce commenced.

The conflict in Gaza continues unabated, with Israel intensifying operations against Hamas. Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to eliminating Hamas, ensuring the safety of northern residents, and securing the release of hostages.

President Biden expressed hope that the Lebanon truce could pave the way for broader peace efforts in Gaza, signaling potential progress toward ending hostilities in the region. The U.S. and its allies have pledged to support the effective implementation of the ceasefire, which some see as a crucial step toward stabilizing the broader Middle East.