The Lebanon-Israel ceasefire: what is the deal, how long will it last and how is the US involved?

On November 27, 2024By Pranco

The war began shortly after the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated on October 7, 2023. Hezbollah – a Lebanese militant group – fires rockets at Israel in response to the attack on Gaza. Hassan Nasrallah, the group’s late leader, reportedly vowed to continue firing at Israel until Israel stopped its attack on Gaza.

According to Al JazeeraAt least 3,768 people have been killed and nearly 16,000 injured in Lebanon as a result of Israeli attacks.

Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the announcement, calling the deal “long overdue”. “The United Kingdom and its allies will continue to be at the forefront of efforts to break the continuing cycle of violence in the pursuit of long-term, sustainable peace in the Middle East,” he said.

But what does the ceasefire mean for both sides and how did it come about?

What is the deal between Israel and Lebanon?

After the ceasefire, Israeli forces are expected to leave southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah will abandon their stations and return north of the Litani River.

To ensure that the terms of the deal are adhered to, the Lebanese army (which has mostly been a bystander in the conflict) will monitor the area south of the river, along with a task force of American and French peacekeepers.

Israel ministers have insisted the country would resume attacks on Lebanon if the group violates the terms of the deal. “We will enforce the agreement and respond strongly to any violation,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, adding: “Together we will continue until victory.”

Who brokered the deal?

The deal was brokered by the US and France. US President Joe Biden said in a speech at the White House on Tuesday: “Today’s announcement is a crucial step … and that is why I applaud the courageous decision taken by the leaders of Lebanon and Israel to end the violence.”

The president said the US, “along with France and others,” will help ensure the ceasefire is effectively enforced. French President Emmanuel Macron said the deal was the “culmination of the efforts made over many months with the Israeli and Lebanese authorities, in close cooperation with the United States.”

How long will the ceasefire last?

The deal was implemented at 4 a.m. local time (2 a.m. GMT) on Wednesday after the Israeli cabinet and the Lebanese government agreed to the terms.

President Biden has told reporters that the agreement is “intended to be a permanent ceasefire.” Under the terms of the agreement, both sides of the conflict will remove their soldiers from the Blue Line – the unofficial border between Lebanon and Israel, located about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of the Litani River – for 60 days.

What about the people who had to flee their homes?

Although both sides have launched attacks, Israel has caused much more destruction in southern Lebanon. Nabih Berri, the speaker of the Lebanese parliament, has urged residents to “return to your country.”

In northern Israel, many residents are not expected to return as distrust over the ceasefire is reportedly high.