November 26, 2024
On November 26, Israel’s security cabinet approved a U.S.-brokered 60-day ceasefire agreement that involves the Iranian-backed terror proxy Hezbollah that will go into effect on November 27 at 10 a.m. local time, marking a temporary halt to over a year of violent conflict.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed the importance of accountability, stating, “I have said many times that a good agreement is an agreement that can be enforced, and we will enforce it.” He added a stern warning: “If Hezbollah breaks the terms, Israel will respond severely.”
American Jewish Committee (AJC) welcomed the ceasefire announcement, expressing hope that its “enforcement can lead to enduring security for both the Israeli and Lebanese people.” AJC also made it clear that the long-term success of this agreement will be in the hands of the international community and the Lebanese people.
Here is what to know about the agreement and its impact on Israel’s defensive war against Iran and its terror proxies.
What does the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire include?
The agreement includes a 60-day transition during which Israel will withdraw from southern Lebanon, the Lebanese army will secure the border, and Hezbollah will relocate its forces and heavy weapons north of the Litani River. A U.S.-led oversight committee will monitor compliance, while U.S. assurances back Israel’s right to act against future threats if Hezbollah violates the terms. The deal also sets the stage for negotiations on contested border areas.
Who will enforce the ceasefire?
A U.S.-led oversight committee will enforce the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, monitoring compliance and addressing violations. The Lebanese Armed Forces and United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers are expected to jointly patrol southern Lebanon to ensure the agreement's terms are adhered to. Israel retains the right to take military action against imminent threats if the Lebanese authorities fail to address them.
U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron announced a ceasefire aimed at ending hostilities in Lebanon and securing Israel from Hezbollah. They described the deal as a means to "restore lasting calm" and pledged to "ensure this arrangement is fully implemented," with the U.S. and France leading efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). The agreement includes an enhanced enforcement mechanism chaired by the U.S., which includes France. A separate Military Technical Committee (MTC) will also be formed to coordinate international support, including funding, equipment, and training for the LAF. While no U.S. combat troops will be deployed, the U.S. will provide military assistance to uphold the ceasefire. Biden reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defense, stating, “If Hezbollah or anyone else breaks the deal and poses a direct threat to Israel, Israel retains the right to self-defense, consistent with international law.”
How did we get here?
After nearly a year of daily Hezbollah rocket attacks on northern Israel, which have displaced over 60,000 civilians and turned the northern border into a war zone, the Israeli military launched a large-scale defensive air, sea, and land campaign in September 2024 to neutralize the Hezbollah threat.
Since then, Israel has eliminated most of Hezbollah’s senior leadership, including the assassination of terror chief Hassan Nasrallah, neutralized a significant portion of its vast arsenal of rocket, drone, and missile threats, and launched a limited ground operation into southern Lebanon to destroy Hezbollah's network of tunnels and fortifications along the Israel-Lebanon border that posed an immediate threat to the safety of Israeli civilians.
Where is the Litani River, and what is its role in the ceasefire agreement?
The Litani River, Lebanon’s largest river, is approximately 4 to 29 kilometers (2 to 18 miles) north of the Israeli-Lebanese border, depending on the specific location along the river. Often regarded as a natural dividing line, the river plays a critical role in the current ceasefire agreement, requiring Hezbollah to move its weapons and forces north of the river to establish a buffer zone.
The Litani River has been central to past conflicts between Israel and Lebanon. UNIFIL was established in 1978 to oversee Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon, restore peace, and support Lebanese authority. After the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah conflict, UNIFIL's mandate was expanded to include monitoring hostilities and supporting Lebanese forces. However, Hezbollah’s repeated violations have significantly undermined UNIFIL’s ability to maintain security along the Blue Line and the area south of the Litani River.
Will displaced northern Israeli residents be able to return home?
Hezbollah's attacks on northern Israel since October 8, 2023, have caused significant damage and disruption. The near-daily rocket, missile, and suicide drone assaults have forced over 60,000 residents to evacuate their homes, turning large parts of the region into a war zone. Infrastructure, including homes, businesses, and public facilities, has sustained widespread damage from direct hits and resulting fires. Over 9,000 buildings were destroyed due to Hezbollah’s attacks, with damage estimated at over NIS 2 billion ($550 million). Agricultural areas, which are critical to the region's economy, have also been affected, with crops and equipment destroyed.
The psychological toll has been severe, as northern Israeli residents have endured prolonged periods of air raid sirens, sheltering, and displacement. Schools and other essential services have been disrupted, further straining communities. The attacks have also put significant pressure on Israel's emergency services and military resources as they work to defend the area and respond to the humanitarian crisis.
While the 60-day ceasefire offers a temporary reprieve for Israelis enduring daily terror attacks, the road to recovery will be long and arduous. Rebuilding the devastated region, restoring infrastructure, and re-establishing a sense of safety for its residents will take years. For some, the trauma and disruption may make returning home an impossible choice.
How does this affect the war against Hamas and the hostages?
In solidarity with its Iranian-backed ally Hamas, Hezbollah began launching near-daily rocket, missile, and drone attacks on northern Israel on October 8, 2023.
Over the past year, Hezbollah conditioned the cessation of its hostilities on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Yahya Sinwar, who masterminded the October 7 Hamas atrocities and was killed by the IDF in September 2024, sought to unite Iranian-backed proxies—including Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iraqi Shi’a militias—against Israel.
The new ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah disrupts Sinwar’s strategy, effectively removing a northern front in the conflict and further isolating Hamas in Gaza. We hope this development sets the stage for potential negotiations toward a broader ceasefire with the release of over 100 hostages still held by Hamas, signaling a shift in the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
