Israel-Lebanon live updates: Hezbollah and Israel agree to ceasefire
A senior administration official, who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity in a White House organized call, said that “all fire will stop from all parties” at 4 a.m. local time.
The next step would be what the official described as a “phased withdrawal” by the Israeli military. As the Israelis pull back, Lebanese national forces will occupy the territories and remove Hezbollah weaponry and infrastructure there. The process is slated to finish within 60 days.
“Hezbollah is incredibly weak at this moment, both militarily and politically,” the official said. “And this is the opportunity for Lebanon to re-establish its sovereignty over its territory.”
The official said the ceasefire agreement will strengthen what’s known as the “tripartite mechanism” by including the United States and France. The goal is to address violations of the ceasefire without a return to hostilities.
“Unlike in 2006, when the international community reached the agreement and then abandoned the scene, here we remain committed to be on the ground day to day, watch what’s happening.”
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