Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Begins: Netanyahu Explains Key Reasons for the Pact

Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire : Netanyahu has 3 reasons for the ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon. The length of the ceasefire is dependent on what happens in Lebanon.

Netanyahu’s comments come hours after the security cabinet approved the ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon yesterday. The ceasefire started at 4am today.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

"The length of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon. We will enforce the agreement and respond forcefully to any violation. We will continue united until victory."

Full remarks >>https://t.co/43nIjRoJQv pic.twitter.com/KiwT3ZKcog

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) November 26, 2024

The war in Lebanon started after almost a year of limited cross border exchanges of fire that began with Hezbollah. The Lebanese group said it was acting in support of Hamas after the Palestinian group’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel which started the war in Gaza.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant Bids Emotional Farewell to Delhi Capitals: ‘I Came Here as a Teenager and…’

Israel's Security Cabinet, the country's top decision-making body under the government has agreed to the ceasefire. "The length of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon. We will enforce the agreement and respond forcefully to any violation. We will continue united until victory," Prime Minister Netanyahu said in his speech after the agreement.

"We will complete the task of obliterating Hamas, we will bring home all of our hostages, we will ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel and we will return the residents of the north home safely. The war will not end until we realize all its goals, including the return of the residents of the north safely home. And I tell you, it will happen, just like it happened in the south," Mr Netanyahu added.

Netanyahu’s 3 Reasons For Ceasefire

The second reason is to give our forces a break and to restock. And I’m saying it openly, there have been big delays in weapons and munitions deliveries. These will be resolved soon. We will get advanced weaponry to keep our soldiers safe and give us more punch to finish the job.

"The first reason is to focus on the Iranian threat, I won’t go into that.

Israel and Lebanon-based, Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah have been at war for months now. Hezbollah started attacking Israel with rockets and projectiles over a year ago and Israel retaliated. Hezbollah backs Hamas, another Iran-backed terrorist group it considers an ally.

Israel and Hamas have been at war since October 2023 when the terrorists breached the Israel-Gaza border and took Israeli hostages at a concert. Hamas is based in Gaza where the war started after Israel retaliated to the terror attack. Since then the war in West Asia, known as the Middle East, has caused massive destruction and the death of tens of thousands of people in the region.

And the third reason for having a ceasefire is to separate the fronts and isolate Hamas. From day two of the war, Hamas was counting on Hezbollah to fight by its side. With Hezbollah out of the picture, Hamas is left on its own. We will increase our pressure on Hamas and that will help us in our sacred mission of releasing our hostages."

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his security cabinet have agreed to the ceasefire.

Netanyahu has however warned that if Hezbollah breaks the deal Israel will not honor it and will strike back full force. The deal was achieved with the help of the US and France and US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron will make an official announcement soon.

Also Read: Nagarjuna Announces Son Akhil Akkineni’s Engagement to Zainab Ravdjee: ‘We Are Overjoyed’

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been working with top Israeli officials to finalize the ceasefire which goes into effect tonight at midnight.

Here are some of the key points from the Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Agreement:

Hezbollah and all other armed militant groups in Lebanese territories will not carry out any offensive operations against Israel.

In return, Israel will not conduct any offensive military operations against targets in Lebanon, (land, air, or sea).

Israel and Lebanon acknowledge the importance of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

These commitments do not negate the right of either Israel or Lebanon to exercise their natural right to self-defence.

The official Lebanese security forces and army will be the only armed groups allowed to carry weapons or operate forces in southern Lebanon.

Also Read: PM Modi Warns Terror Groups on 26/11 Anniversary: India Pays Tribute to Mumbai Attack Victims