Israel, Hezbollah Reach Tentative Cease-Fire Deal: 10 Essential Things to Know About the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Breakthrough
Israel is on the verge of endorsing a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, which will supposedly end a deadly 14-month conflict that intensified after the Gaza war. The U.S.-brokered deal sets forth major terms on troop withdrawals and military actions. Here are 10 key things to know about the ceasefire:
The Ceasefire Agreement
Israel is poised to vote through a settlement deal that takes Israeli forces out of southern Lebanon. Lebanese army will be deployed in the same area within 60 days, where Hezbollah's armed group will give way.
Role of Hezbollah
The militia movement, funded by Iran, will withdraw its armed element south of the Litani River, which is a main stronghold for the militia group in the country.
International Diplomacy
US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron are likely to unveil the ceasefire, with US officials indicating that the deal is almost finalized. The US has played a central role in the negotiations.
Israel's Security Cabinet
Israel's security cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will reportedly meet and most probably endorse the agreement to the ceasefire. However, Netanyahu's views could come around, as the political elements are still at play.
Lebanon's Approval
Lebanon's government has already greenlit the stipulations of the ceasefire. According to Lebanon's deputy parliament speaker, Elias Bou Saab, there is little to no major obstacles that may hinder its implementation.
Escalation Military Tension
While diplomatic talks progress, military tensions are still at a heightened state. Its airstrikes continue in Hezbollah-controlled areas of Beirut, and Hezbollah has been launching rocket attacks into northern Israel.
Impact in Lebanon's Reconstruction
The war devastated Lebanon, displacing more than 1 million people. The ceasefire will help rebuild the country; however, Lebanon's economy is huge problems.
Return of Israeli Refugees
The over 60,000 Israeli civilian evacuees from northern Israel due to Hezbollah rocket fire would be able to return to their homes safely following the ceasefire.
Casualty Count
More than 3,750 have died in Lebanon. At least 1 million others are displaced. In Israel, 45 civilians are confirmed dead, while 73 soldiers are killed in hostilities so far. Casualties are increasing.
Is this a step toward peace in the region?
This truce might be a stepping stone for more concrete diplomatic actions in the Middle East, especially about what is going on in Gaza. U.S. Middle East envoy Brett McGurk is even considering using this agreement as leverage in bringing broader peace.
In both parties, the losses are already huge. However, as both parties have suffered massive losses, this truce remains an indication of peace, but their long-term stability and smooth implementation into the general scheme of the region remain concerns.
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