The president said on Tuesday that his and his administrations had accepted a proposal for him “ending the disastrous conflict between Israel and Lebanon”.
The president described the development as “good news” speaking from the Rose Garden on Tuesday. “Today I have some good news to share from the Middle East. He just spoke with the Prime Ministers of Israel and Lebanon and I am happy to announce that the two countries have accepted the US proposal for a ceasefire.
I want to thank President Macron for his contribution to get us to this moment. For about 14 months a deadly conflict existed on the border between Lebanon and Israel. A dispute that began a day after Hamas attacked Israel.
Hours later Hezbollah and other organizations attacked Israel. Let’s be clear, Israel did not start this war. The people of Lebanon did not want this war. Neither does the US” he initially reported.
The ceasefire will be in effect from Wednesday morning
Following his speech, President Biden pointed out that the ceasefire will begin early on Wednesday, specifically from 4 am.
“According to the agreement reached today, effective from 4 a.m. tomorrow local time, the fighting on the Lebanon-Israel border will end. This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities. What remains of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations will not be allowed.”he said characteristically.
Continuing, the US president emphasized: “Over the next 60 days, Israel will gradually withdraw its remaining forces and citizens on both sides will soon be able to return safely to their communities and begin to rebuild their homes”.
A clear message to Hezbollah
Mr. Biden also sent a clear message to both Hezbollah and anyone else who tries to violate the agreement. He reiterated that Israel “retains the right to self-defense” if Hezbollah “or anyone else” violates the newly announced deal.
“Let me be clear, if Hezbollah or anyone else violates the agreement and poses a direct threat to Israel, then Israel retains the right to self-defense, under international law.”
The deal “heralds a new beginning for Lebanon” and helps the nation maintain its sovereignty, Biden said. He added that no US troops would be deployed in southern Lebanon.
Biden added that the people of Gaza “it is also worth ending the fighting and displacement”as Israeli raids continue in this besieged territory.
Netanyahu’s “thank you”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with US President Joe Biden “and thanked him for the United States’ participation in reaching the cease-fire agreement in Lebanon and for the understanding that Israel will maintain freedom of action in enforcing it,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.
“The Civil Security Cabinet tonight approved the United States proposal for a ceasefire arrangement in Lebanon, with a majority of 10 ministers to one opponent. Israel appreciates the United States’ contribution to the process and reserves its right to act against any threat to its security,” the statement said.
