The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which marks the end of 14 months of conflict, officially came into effect this morning. Lebanese civilians, previously displaced by Israeli airstrikes and ground offensives, have begun returning to their homes in southern Lebanon, despite warnings from Israeli officials to delay their return.

The ceasefire, announced by U.S. President Joe Biden following its approval by both the Lebanese and Israeli governments, became effective at 5:00 AM today.

President Joe Biden stated that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) would deploy along Lebanon’s southern border within 60 days to assume control of the region. The agreement mandates the disarmament of Hezbollah fighters in this area and their relocation to regions north of the Litani River. During this period, Israeli forces are expected to gradually withdraw.

Biden also clarified that no American troops will be stationed in Lebanon during this process, emphasizing that the U.S. and France played key roles in achieving this agreement through prolonged diplomatic efforts. An international coalition, spearheaded by the U.S. and France, will oversee the implementation of the ceasefire.

Additionally, displaced Lebanese civilians and Jewish settlers from northern Israel will be allowed to return to their homes under the terms of the agreement.

Under the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the sale and production of arms in Lebanon will be strictly controlled by the Lebanese government to prevent the rearmament of groups like Hezbollah.

Colonel Avichay Adraee, the Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, urged Lebanese civilians to refrain from returning to southern villages just yet, citing ongoing Israeli military presence. He advised:

“For your safety and that of your family, avoid traveling to areas near Israeli military positions or the evacuated villages until further notice. The Israeli army will announce a safe return date for civilians.”

Despite these warnings, Reuters reported a noticeable movement of displaced families heading south in vehicles as they return to their homes.

The conflict escalated on October 7, following Hamas’s attack on southern Israel, prompting Hezbollah to launch rocket and drone strikes into northern Israel. These attacks forced approximately 60,000 Israelis to flee their homes. While the ceasefire signals a halt in hostilities, the timeline for the return of Israeli evacuees remains unclear.

Reports indicate that between 5,000 and 10,000 Lebanese troops will be stationed in the area from the Israeli-Lebanese border to the Litani River. Another media source revealed an undisclosed U.S. commitment, which allegedly grants Israel the right to retaliate if Hezbollah violates the ceasefire terms.

Despite the assassination of senior Hezbollah leaders and the bombing in violation of the laws of war, Israel has failed to achieve its main objectives on the Lebanese front. Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel have not been prevented, nor have the residents of the north returned to their homes. Israel’s tactical successes on the ground were insufficient to achieve its strategic goals, forcing it to agree to a ceasefire.

Ahead of the ceasefire announcement between Israel and Hezbollah, which is expected within hours, both parties have escalated their attacks. Opposition to the ceasefire from Israel’s far-right ministers has raised concerns that the agreement could be cancelled at the last minute.

The ceasefire agreement is anticipated to be announced by the U.S. and France today, according to several news agencies citing Lebanese, U.S., and Israeli officials. Both the Israeli and Lebanese governments are scheduled to meet beforehand to discuss the terms of the ceasefire.

The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that at least twenty-two people were killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon yesterday. Early this morning, Israel bombed southern Lebanon and targeted buildings in the southern suburbs of Beirut, claiming to have killed a senior Hezbollah commander.

Hezbollah has also intensified its attacks on Israel’s northern regions. Educational activities in some areas have been suspended, and authorities announced new measures in response to the ongoing assaults.

Despite positive signals from Lebanon and the U.S., internal opposition within Israel suggests the ceasefire agreement could face last-minute hurdles. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the deal as a “big mistake” and a “historic missed opportunity to eliminate Hezbollah.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich commented, “There is no agreement, and if it is signed, it will be worth no more than a signed piece of paper. We have dismantled Hezbollah and will continue to dismantle it.”

Criticism is not limited to far-right ministers. Members of parliament from Netanyahu’s Likud party, opposition leaders, and northern Israeli mayors have also voiced disapproval. Avi Dichter, a Likud party member and security cabinet member, stated on social media that he lacked sufficient details to support the ceasefire, adding that he would oppose it if it mirrored UNSC Resolution 1701.

David Azoulay, mayor of Metula, referred to the ceasefire as a “surrender deal” during an interview on Channel 12 television. Avichai Stern, mayor of Kiryat Shmona, criticized the agreement on social media, warning that it “accelerates the repetition of the 7 October attack in the north.” Stern remarked, “I don’t understand how we went from total victory to total surrender.”

Benny Gantz, leader of the opposition National Unity Party, urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to publish the full details of the agreement. Similarly, Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Israel Our Home party, labeled the deal as “terrible for Israel.”

The proposed ceasefire includes: Israel will withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon within days. Beirut will deploy troops along the border, and Hezbollah fighters will retreat north of the Litani River and a U.S.-led committee will oversee the ceasefire’s implementation.

The main sticking point remains Israel’s claimed “right to self-defense.” Prime Minister Netanyahu insisted the agreement guarantee Israel’s freedom to act against Lebanon if the ceasefire is not upheld. Lebanon has firmly rejected this demand.

According to The National, a compromise formula has been proposed to address this issue: Israel would present grievances to the international committee monitoring the ceasefire, which would then relay them to the Lebanese army and UNIFIL. A deadline would be set for addressing these grievances before Israel could take further action. This proposal is still under discussion.

Notably, the agreement does not establish a buffer zone, a key objective of Israel’s ground offensive. The buffer zone was intended to keep northern Israel out of Hezbollah’s reach. Additionally, there is no clear plan for the tens of thousands of residents who fled their homes in northern Israel after 7 October.

Despite Israel’s tactical successes, including the assassination of Hezbollah leaders and the ground invasion, it has not achieved its primary war aims in Lebanon. U.S. President Donald Trump, set to take office in January, has urged Netanyahu to conclude the conflict before his inauguration. Meanwhile, the Israeli army’s morale is reportedly low due to heavy casualties and ongoing debates over conscription. Observers note that the military’s reluctance to continue fighting further complicates Israel’s strategic position.

The Israeli press has reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

According to Israeli state television KAN, the Tel Aviv government has given the green light for a ceasefire to Amos Hochstein, a senior adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden, who has been mediating between Israel and Hezbollah. The report noted that Netanyahu and senior ministers held a security consultation meeting last night, during which Netanyahu approved the proposal for a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon.

Discussions reportedly centered on ensuring the freedom of movement for the Israeli army along the Syrian-Lebanese border. Israel has also received assurances from the U.S. regarding its ability to act if the agreement is violated. Unnamed Israeli sources have stated that a ceasefire announcement is expected “within two days.”

The sources further disclosed that the agreement with Lebanon has already been signed, and that Netanyahu is now focused on strategizing its announcement.

However, Michael Herzog, Israel’s ambassador to Washington, told Israel Army Radio that while progress has been made, some details of the agreement remain unresolved.

According to a report in Haaretz, the U.S.-proposed ceasefire involves a three-stage plan: an immediate ceasefire, followed by a withdrawal of Hezbollah forces north of the Litani River, an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and the initiation of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon to address disputed border areas.

A U.S.-led international body will oversee the ceasefire’s implementation. Additionally, Israel expects a formal letter from Washington confirming its right to take military action if Hezbollah violates the ceasefire terms and the Lebanese army or international forces fail to act.

Regarding the public framing of the agreement, KAN reported that Netanyahu intends to present the ceasefire as a strategic victory for Israel, rather than a compromise.

Meanwhile, several Israeli media outlets have indicated that Amos Hochstein has communicated to Israel that he may withdraw from the mediation process if there is no positive response to the U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal in the coming days. Netanyahu’s office informed Channel 13 that it had received Hochstein’s message but was uncertain whether it reflected an official U.S. position or an attempt to apply pressure on Israel and Lebanon.