Lebanon Ceasefire Agreement Reached with Joint U.S.-France Efforts; Israel Halts Airstrikes
Washington – After weeks of intense diplomatic negotiations, a ceasefire agreement has been finalized to halt Israel's ongoing airstrikes and bring Lebanon closer to an unstable peace. The deal was secured at the last minute and was the result of multiple phone calls and shuttle diplomacy among key leaders.
The process towards the ceasefire started with a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden, followed by frequent trips by U.S. special envoy Amos Hochstein between Beirut and Jerusalem, despite the ongoing electoral tensions in the U.S. The negotiations were fraught with challenges, including international arrest warrants against Israel's top leaders, which posed a significant obstacle.
France played a crucial role in mediating the agreement, contributing to the diplomatic efforts. The ceasefire was further facilitated when Hezbollah agreed to halt its actions in response to Israeli military strikes.
While the ceasefire has temporarily halted the violence, the peace situation in Lebanon remains fragile and unstable. The agreement marks a significant step towards de-escalation but leaves the region in a delicate balance.
