The Lebanese and Israeli governments have accepted a US proposal to end the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday. The agreement, set to take effect Wednesday at 4 a.m. local time (0200 GMT), includes a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and a deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces to take control of the region over the next 60 days. Biden emphasized that the US, along with France and other allies, will support the implementation of the arrangement but confirmed that no US troops will be stationed in southern Lebanon. "We, along with France and others, will provide the necessary assistance to make sure this deal is implemented fully and effectively," he said during televised remarks. The announcement follows escalating violence that has claimed 3,823 lives and injured over 15,859 in Lebanon since October 2023, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, its southern suburbs, and other provinces have intensified in recent days, with 55 killed and 160 injured on Monday alone. "This has been the deadliest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in decades," Biden said. Biden stated that achieving lasting security for both nations required moving beyond the battlefield. He credited his administration's efforts for brokering the cease-fire, which aims to end Hezbollah's attacks on Israel and Israeli airstrikes and ground invasions in Lebanon. Under the agreement, both nations retain the right to self-defense as per international law. A senior US official stressed that any violations of the agreement would be addressed immediately through a dedicated mechanism. The US president also announced plans to push for a Gaza cease-fire in coordination with Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar, and Israel. The initiative seeks to end Israeli operations in Gaza, secure the release of over 100 hostages, and create a pathway for a Palestinian state. — Agencies
