A resident retrieves some belongings from the rubble of what used to be his home. (Credit: Mohammad Yassin/L'Orient Today)
Lebanon sees a glimmer of hope after more than a year of violence. Amos Hochstein, senior adviser to President Biden and a key figure in negotiating the cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, shared updates and insights on the agreement during a Zoom call with journalists on Wednesday.
The agreement establishes a revised monitoring mechanism, with France and the U.S. overseeing the implementation of the cease-fire. Its success also relies on international financial and technical support for Lebanon's reconstruction.
Stability in the country will also depend on resolving its political deadlock, Hochstein said, notably through the election of a president and the formation of a representative government. "The cease-fire is a significant progress," he said, adding that it marks the start of a long journey to sustain and reinforce peace.
In his address, the U.S. envoy expressed gratitude to the Lebanese American and Arab American communities for their continued support, while highlighting the crucial role of the U.S. administration in facilitating the agreement. "We've finally achieved this goal," said Hochstein with satisfaction. He emphasized that while the cease-fire represents a symbolic victory, the real challenge lies in its sustainable implementation and the country's reconstruction.
Details of the cease-fire agreement
The cease-fire, which took effect on Wednesday at 4 a.m., brought relief to communities on both sides of the Lebanese Israeli border. After 13 and a half months of conflict, the truce offers people in Lebanon a reprieve from relentless Israeli bombardment.
Unlike previous agreements, such as U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 in 2006, this cease-fire seeks a lasting solution based on a detailed deployment plan, according to the White House adviser.
The cease-fire agreement includes the gradual deployment of Lebanese forces in border areas currently controlled by Israel, while Israeli forces will begin a phased withdrawal. "This is not a temporary measure," Hochstein said.
The plan calls for a 60-day deployment, with full Lebanese control of the affected areas expected within 40 to 50 days. A tripartite mechanism, led by France and the United States, will monitor compliance with the agreement and ensure a prompt response to any violations.
Regarding security, Lebanese authorities have urged civilians to refrain from returning to areas still under Israeli control during the transition period to avoid any potential escalation. The process is designed to ensure an orderly transition and avoid repeating past mistakes.
Lebanon's reconstruction and future challenges
Hochstein emphasized that for the agreement to be truly effective, rebuilding Lebanon is crucial. "The Lebanese Army will need financial and logistical support to maintain security," he said. The country, already mired in an economic crisis, must urgently attract investments to revitalize its economy.
The United States and its international allies are committed to supporting this process. "Gulf nations, which withdrew due to corruption and instability, need to be encouraged to reinvest," said Hochstein.
At the same time, Lebanon must resolve its political deadlock. Electing a president and forming a fully functional government are crucial steps to ensuring stability. Hochstein emphasized the need for fair representation of all Lebanese communities — Shiite, Sunni, Christian and Druze — in a government capable of serving the nation's interests without external interference.
Toward a successful implementation
During the Q&A session, key details about the monitoring process for the agreement were clarified. The monitoring committee, which will begin its work immediately, is tasked with ensuring the implementation of the cease-fire and addressing any violations. According to the U.S. envoy, an American team is expected to arrive in Lebanon within hours, with France also deploying representatives to help oversee the process.
Another key topic discussed during the conference was funding for reconstruction. Hochstein explained that the process would involve repairing damaged infrastructure, including homes and farms, while also encouraging investments to revive Lebanon's economy.
He stressed the importance of reassuring Gulf countries about the security and transparency of their investments, which the United States will play a key role in encouraging.
One of the questions raised concerned the Lebanese government's ability to disarm Hezbollah, an implicit requirement of the agreement. Hochstein explained that the agreement requires the withdrawal of Hezbollah from certain areas, with the Lebanese Army then tasked with enforcing this commitment. However, he acknowledged that the broader issue of Lebanese sovereignty and the disarmament of armed groups is complex and will require stable governance and sustained international support.
The cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, though promising, is merely the first step toward lasting peace in Lebanon, the U.S. diplomat stressed. The country must overcome significant political and economic challenges to ensure the agreement's effective implementation and secure long-term stability.
This moment, however, presents a unique opportunity for Lebanon to rebuild and strengthen its sovereignty with the support of the international community. The United States, alongside its partners, will continue to play a critical role in this process, Hochstein said. "This is a moment of opportunity for Lebanon — a chance to rebuild and move toward peace and stability."
