Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal to halt war in Lebanon expected within hours
SUMMARY
Israel and Hezbollah are on the brink of a ceasefire deal to end a year-long war in Lebanon that has killed nearly 3,800 people and injured around 16,000. Brokered by the U.S. and France, the agreement involves an immediate ceasefire, with Israeli forces withdrawing in phases over 60 days. Hezbollah will pull its troops and heavy weaponry 20 miles back to the Litani River. Lebanese forces and UN peacekeepers will patrol southern Lebanon to enforce the terms. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's security cabinet and Lebanon’s government are expected to approve the deal Tuesday. Netanyahu will address the nation at 8 p.m. local time, and President Biden will make a statement later, acknowledging France’s role in implementation. Meanwhile, rocket fire continues, with some of the heaviest exchanges occurring Tuesday. The war began in October 2023 when Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel following Hamas's attack from Gaza. Israel retaliated with airstrikes, escalating to ground operations.
