Ceasefire announced: Israel and Hezbollah agree to end border conflict

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, brokered by the United States and France, is set to take effect on Wednesday, US President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday.

The agreement aims to end a deadly conflict, linked to the previous year's Gaza war, which claimed thousands of lives. Biden described it as a "permanent cessation of hostilities," emphasizing that Hezbollah and other groups would no longer pose a security threat to Israel.

The ceasefire will begin at 4 am local time (0200 GMT). Under the terms, Israel will withdraw its forces within 60 days while the Lebanese army, deploying at least 5,000 troops, will assume control of border areas to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its infrastructure.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed readiness to uphold the agreement while warning of a forceful response to any violations.

Netanyahu stressed that the ceasefire would allow Israel to shift its focus to other threats, including Iran, replenish its military resources, and counter Hamas.

He asserted that Hezbollah's capabilities had been significantly weakened, with substantial losses to its leadership, weaponry, and infrastructure.

Netanyahu also highlighted Israel's continued military autonomy, pledging decisive action against any attempts by Hezbollah to rearm or violate the agreement.