WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced Tuesday that Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Biden said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati. He confirmed both sides accepted the ceasefire deal brokered by the United States.
Biden said the U.S., and its partners including France, “will make sure this deal is implemented fully.”
“Under the deal reached today, effective at 4 a.m. tomorrow local time, the fighting across the Lebanese-Israeli border will end. Will end. This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities,” Biden said.
Biden said over the next 60 days, Israel will begin to withdraw its forces and Lebanon’s military will deploy to take control of their territory. Under the agreement, Hezbollah will not be allowed to rebuild infrastructure or threaten the security of Israel.
“Let me be clear, if Hezbollah or anyone else breaks the deal, and poses a direct threat to Israel, then Israel retains the right to self-defense consistent with international law,” he said.
“We’re determined this conflict will not be just another cycle of violence,” he continued.
Earlier in the day, Netanyahu recommended the country’s security cabinet agree to a ceasefire deal. In a video address, he said the length of the ceasefire would depend on what happens in Lebanon.
Over 3,820 people have been killed in Lebanon by Israeli bombing since the fighting started, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
Following Biden’s remarks, Netanyahu said in a statement that his Cabinet had approved the U.S.-brokered deal, 10 ministers to one.
“Israel appreciates the U.S. contribution to the process, and reserves its right to act against any threat to its security,” Netanyahu said.
Biden also took the time to comment on the war in Gaza, saying Palestinians also “deserve an end to the fighting”.
“Far too many civilians in Gaza have suffered far too much, and Hamas has refused for months and months to negotiate a good faith cease-fire, and a hostage deal,” Biden said. “And so now, Hamas has a choice to make. Their only way out is to release the hostages, including American citizens, which they hold. In the process, bring an end to the fighting which would make possible a surge of humanitarian relief.”
As he was headed back inside the White House, a reporter asked Biden if he would get a ceasefire in Gaza done before leaving office.
“I think so. I hope so. I’m praying,” he replied as he crossed his fingers.
