A ceasefire agreement to end fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group, has come into effect. After the announcement, strikes continued on both sides, and the public is speculating about what the ceasefire would entail.
Very little information was given in official statements. The US and France, in a joint statement, said that the agreement would end fighting in Lebanon and “secure Israel from the threat of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations.” Biden also said during his speech that the ceasefire should be permanent.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hezbollah will remove its fighters and weapons from the area along the Blue Line – the unofficial border between Lebanon and Israel, formed by the Litani River, about 30 kilometers long, within 60 days.
Hezbollah fighters would be replaced in the area by Lebanese army forces, which must ensure that military infrastructure and weapons are removed and cannot be rebuilt in the area. There would be a total of 5,000 of them, but it remains an open question how they would enforce the ceasefire and whether they would confront Hezbollah in the event of renewed fighting.
The Lebanese army has also said that it does not have the resources, money, personnel and equipment to fulfill the obligations under the agreement. Therefore, the contribution of Lebanon’s international allies is also expected. Many also believe that Hezbollah has been weakened, which leaves room for the Lebanese government to establish authority over the entire territory of the country.
During the same 60 days, Israel should gradually withdraw its remaining forces and civilians, which would allow civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes.
The new agreement largely follows UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006. However, both sides admit that they violated that resolution by maintaining troops in the border area.
The agreement entered into force today at 4:00 am., Klix.ba writes.
Photo: Citygroup
