A screenshot from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's public address on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced to the press on Tuesday evening that he would present the proposal for a cease-fire with Lebanon to the Israeli cabinet for a vote this same evening, following a meeting with the smaller security cabinet. The Israeli government subsequently voted in favor of the 13-point agreement 10-1 with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir voting against.
The duration of the cease-fire, though reportedly 60 days, "will depend on what happens in Lebanon," Netanyahu said. "If Hezbollah tries to re-arm or attack, we will strike back. If a rocket will be launched, if a tunnel will be dug, if a truck with arms will be brought in, we will strike."
Israel's determination to be guaranteed permission to act freely in Lebanon has been a sticking point in negotiations, which were conducted indirectly with Hezbollah through the Lebanese government, notably Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. The Lebanese government had fundamentally opposed Israel's request, saying that instead, any breach of the agreement in Lebanon should be dealt with by the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL.
"I know what people are saying," Netanyahu said. "If we go into a cease-fire, we will not be able to renew the war. But I'd like to remind you that that is exactly what was said when we went to the cease-fire in Gaza ... They said we won't go back to fighting. But we did go back. We went back big time." Almost exactly a year ago, Israel and Hamas entered into a six-day cease-fire which allowed for the release of dozens of hostages from Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons.
Netanyahu appeared confident that the cease-fire would effectively ensure the end of Hezbollah's presence along the border. "Hezbollah will breach the cease-fire not only if it strikes us," he said, "but if it only just tries to rearm in order to strike us in the future. For any such violation, we will respond very severely."
Netanyahu gave three reasons for agreeing to a cease-fire now. "The first focusing on the Iranian threat, and I don't know want to expand on that. The second to allow our forces to refresh and to also allow our resources to be replenished. It is no secret that there have been some delays in the supply of ammunition and arms, and this delay is going to be removed. We're going to have advanced weapons, and that will save the lives of our soldiers, and it will give us great force to complete our mission. Another, third reason for the ceasefire, is to disconnect the two arenas and isolate Hamas."
Biden weighs in
Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden also spoke to the press on Wednesday evening about the agreement, which he said would start at 4 a.m. Lebanon time and "aims to establish a permanent cessation of hostilities," following the 60-day period during which the Israeli army is meant to withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah to pull north of the Litani River, leaving the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL the only armed forces between the Blue Line and the river.
"Let me be clear: If Hezbollah or any other organization violates the agreement and poses a direct threat to Israel, Israel retains the right to self-defense in accordance with international law," Biden said. "This is the same principle that applies to any country facing a terrorist group advocating its destruction. At the same time, this agreement supports Lebanon’s sovereignty, marking a fresh start for the nation."
