Beirut - Washington: Europe and the Arabs - Agencies
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed his hope that the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah and the easing of tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border would contribute to advancing efforts aimed at ending the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Austin stressed in an official statement published by the US Department of Defense (Pentagon) today, Wednesday, the need to continue working to improve the tragic humanitarian conditions in Gaza, while committing to securing the release of all hostages, including Americans.

The US Secretary of Defense praised the ceasefire agreed upon between Israel and Lebanon, describing it as a "historic moment" that serves the interests of both parties and the security of the region.

He said: "This diplomatic solution will allow tens of thousands of civilians in both countries to safely return to their homes, and put an end to the violence and destruction left by the conflict."

He explained that the US Department of Defense will work closely with international partners and relevant parties to ensure the implementation of the agreement. According to media reports in Cairo, quoted by the Middle East News Agency, in the same context, US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron said that the ceasefire will create conditions for the return of calm to Lebanon and Israel and enable citizens to safely return to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line.

The White House published a joint statement by the two presidents on its official website, which read: "Today, after weeks After years of tireless diplomacy, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a cessation of hostilities between them.

The statement added: “Today’s announcement will end the fighting in Lebanon and protect Israel from the threat of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations operating from Lebanon.”

The statement indicated that the ceasefire declaration “will create the conditions for the restoration of lasting calm and allow the safe return of residents of both countries to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line.”

The two presidents affirmed in their joint statement that the United States and France “will work with Israel and Lebanon to ensure that this arrangement is implemented and fully implemented,” noting that “Washington and Paris remain determined to prevent this conflict from returning to a new cycle of violence.”

The statement concluded by affirming “the commitment of the United States and France to lead and support international efforts to build the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces as well as support economic development throughout Lebanon to promote stability and prosperity in the region.”
Biden announced on Tuesday evening that "the ceasefire agreement in this bloodiest conflict between Israel and Lebanon will go into effect tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. local time," noting that "there will be no deployment of American forces in southern Lebanon." Biden stressed that "if Hezbollah violates the agreement, Israel has the right to defend itself."
He stressed that "the agreement supports Lebanon's sovereignty and constitutes a new beginning for this country and leads the Lebanese people to a future in which they enjoy peace."
For his part, the European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said that the agreement on a ceasefire in Lebanon is a relief in the devastating situation in the Middle East, and it is important that the ceasefire continues to ensure the safety of both Lebanese and Israeli citizens and the return of internally displaced persons. I reiterate my call on Lebanese leaders to assume their political responsibility by electing a president who restores full sovereignty over the country's affairs.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. He expressed his hope that this agreement will put an end to the violence, destruction and suffering of the people in both countries.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the parties to fully respect and urgently implement all obligations under the agreement. He also urged it to take immediate steps towards the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
A statement issued by the UN spokesman confirmed that the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are ready to support the implementation of the agreement in accordance with their mandates.
After months of battles that witnessed the most violent confrontations between the Israeli army and the Lebanese Hezbollah, and the bombing that eliminated the party’s leaders and destroyed large parts of Beirut and Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Israelis on Tuesday evening announcing the approval of the Ministerial Council for a ceasefire agreement between Tel Aviv and Hezbollah, indicating that the reasons for the ceasefire are to focus on the threat of Iran, revive the army, isolate Hamas, and separate military arenas.
Netanyahu stressed that Israel retains the freedom of military action and response if Hezbollah violates the agreement.
For his part, the Lebanese Prime Minister expressed his “welcome to the decision to cease fire in Lebanon,” thanking the United States of America and France “for contributing to its arrangement.”
Mikati called on Israel to fully abide by the ceasefire resolution and withdraw from all areas and sites it occupies and to fully abide by Resolution 1701.

Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper had mentioned the details of the ceasefire agreement, noting that it stipulates that Hezbollah and Israel will not carry out any offensive military action against each other.

In addition, any sale, supply and production of weapons or weapons-related materials to Lebanon will be under the supervision and control of the Lebanese government.

The security forces and the official Lebanese army will also be the only armed parties that will be allowed to carry weapons or use their forces in southern Lebanon, which will deploy their military forces along all borders, crossings and the line that defines southern Lebanon.

Under another clause in the agreement, Israel will gradually withdraw to the south of the Blue Line that separates it from Lebanon, within 60 days.