A ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah has been reached and is due to take effect Wednesday at 10am local, even as intense IAF airstrikes on Beirut and elsewhere continue amid escalating rocket, missile, and drone attacks on Israel. The Israeli security cabinet is expected to approve the American-sponsored two month truce, enough to bridge the transition to a Trump Administration.

Israel and Hezbollah have reportedly agreed, subject to final approval, to a 60-day ceasefire, brokered after one of the most intense periods of violence in recent months. The agreement stipulates that Israeli forces will withdraw from Lebanon, and Hezbollah will reposition its fighters away from the border. However, the road to this truce was paved with escalating hostilities that brought the region to the brink.

Escalation of Hostilities

Over the past weeks, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah erupted into full-scale military confrontations. On Sunday, Hezbollah launched approximately 250 rockets into Israel, causing injuries to seven individuals and damage to civilian infrastructure. Rockets reached as far as Tel Aviv, including an impact in Petah Tikvah.

In retaliation, the Israel Air Force (IAF) executed multiple airstrikes targeting Hezbollah-controlled areas in southern Beirut. The strikes, aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s command centers and military infrastructure, resulted in nearly 100 fatalities in a single week, including women, children, and medics. The Lebanese death toll has exceeded 3,700 since October 2023, according to reports. The IDF released photos of troops patrolling along the strategic Litani River.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant justified the strikes, stating, “We will take decisive action to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens. The message is clear—aggression will not go unanswered.”

Ceasefire Agreement

Amidst this escalation, international mediators facilitated talks leading to a 60-day ceasefire. The key provisions include:

• Israeli Withdrawal: The IDF will withdraw from Lebanon.
• Hezbollah’s Repositioning: Fighters will relocate away from the Israeli border.
• Humanitarian Aid: The agreement allows for unhindered humanitarian access to affected areas.
• Monitoring Mechanism: An international body will oversee compliance from both sides.

Israeli Defense Minister Gallant described the ceasefire as “a calculated step to stabilize the region, not a concession.” Newly appointed Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, following the death of Hassan Nasrallah, remarked, “This agreement reflects our commitment to Lebanese sovereignty but does not diminish our vigilance.”

Challenges to Stability

The ceasefire offers a brief respite, but skepticism remains high. Past truces have often collapsed under the weight of mistrust and provocation. Both sides have expressed doubts about the other’s intentions, and implementing the logistical details of troop movements and aid deliveries presents significant hurdles.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan hailed the ceasefire as “a critical opportunity to prevent further bloodshed and address urgent humanitarian needs,” but he warned of the fragile nature of the truce.