A ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon began at 4 a.m. on Wednesday, ending nearly 14 months of hostilities along the northern border. The conflict started following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in southern Israel.
Israel’s national security cabinet approved the agreement on Tuesday night, with 10 ministers voting in favor and one against. Under the deal, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw from southern Lebanon during a 60-day transition period. In their place, the Lebanese Army will deploy approximately 5,000 troops, establishing 33 posts south of the Litani River.
The agreement also mandates Hezbollah’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the dismantling of its military infrastructure. The United States provided Israel with a side letter ensuring its right to respond to any breaches of the ceasefire.
While Hezbollah accepted the proposal, a senior leader, Mahmoud Qamati, expressed reservations, stating that the group had yet to receive the finalized agreement. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Qamati said, “We want an end to the aggression but not at the expense of Lebanon’s sovereignty. Any violation of sovereignty is unacceptable.”
Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman, urged Lebanese civilians not to return to villages in southern Lebanon yet. “For your safety, avoid approaching the evacuated villages or IDF positions in the area,” he stated. He assured civilians they would be notified when it is safe to return.
Despite the warnings, Reuters reported streams of cars heading toward southern Lebanon within an hour of the ceasefire taking effect.