By Shirleen Guerra, The Center Square
(The Center Square) – U.S. officials announced a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The United States brokered the truce, backed by regional leaders, and aims to pause the violence while allowing humanitarian aid to reach those in need. The U.S. has spent up to $22.76 billion on military aid to Israel and related U.S. operations in the region, according to Brown University’s “Cost of War,“ a research project focusing on U.S. military spending.
The conflict has only intensified since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack led by Hamas and other Palestinian nationalist militant groups launched the attack from the Gaza Strip, coinciding with the Jewish religious holiday, Simchat Torah.
This was the first invasion into Israeli territory since 1948.
The escalation between Israel and Hamas has since drawn Hezbollah into the conflict, resulting in thousands of civilian casualties, widespread displacement, and severe destruction in Southern Lebanon. In the past year, both sides have conducted cross-border attacks, with Hezbollah launching rocket strikes into Israel and Israeli forces targeting suspected militant sites in Lebanon.
“I’m pleased to announce that their governments have accepted the United States’ proposal to end the devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah,” announced President Joe Biden from the Rose Garden.
He stated that since the war began, more than 70,000 Israelis have been living as refugees in their own country, and 300,000 Lebanese are also living as refugees in their own country due to the imposing war brought on by Hezbollah.
The deal went into effect on Wednesday.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed support for the ceasefire, calling it a “fundamental step” towards restoring stability in the region.
The Israeli troops will still hold positions in Lebanon until the phased withdrawal is complete.
“What is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations will not be allowed — will – I emphasize – will not be allowed to threaten the security of Israel again,” Biden said.
Over the next 60 days, the White House says that the Lebanese Army and the State Security Forces will deploy and take control of their territories. Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon will also not be allowed to be rebuilt.
Biden stated that there would be no U.S. troops deployed in southern Lebanon if the deal is broken, and Israel would be able to retaliate in self-defense. The standing deal also supports Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stated the ceasefire is “good for Israel, good for Lebanon, and good for the security of the region,” continuing that the support for Israel’s security remains Ironclad, as does the “support for Israel’s right to defend itself from Iranian-backed terrorist organizations like Lebanese Hezbollah and Hamas.”
Austin said the focus is on improving the humanitarian conditions in Gaza and securing the release of all the hostages, including U.S. citizens.
The deal leaves Hamas with a decision to release hostages, including American citizens, and end the fighting to allow humanitarian relief.
“Over the coming days, the United States will make another push with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and others to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza with the hostages released and an end to the war without Hamas in power,” Austin said.