Israel Strikes Beirut Moments After Biden Announces Ceasefire Deal

Rep. Nadler welcomes ceasefire, hopes it’s ‘positive step’ towards Gaza agreement

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY 12th District) welcomed the news that Israel and Hezbollah had reached a ceasefire deal, on Tuesday.

“The people of Israel and Lebanon deserve to live in peace and security,” he said on X, Tuesday. “As President Biden said, this agreement allows return of civilians to their homes and the return of quiet.”

The Congressman added that he hoped that the ceasefire may be a “positive step” towards securing an agreement between Israel and Gaza.

“It is my sincere hope and prayer that all in the region can build on the success of achieving this ceasefire agreement in Lebanon towards an agreement in Gaza that brings the hostages home and achieves a ceasefire,” he added.

“While there are many more steps needed to achieve a lasting peace through a two state solution, today’s announcement is a positive step towards that goal.”

UN official warns ‘considerable work’ needed to ensure ceasefire endures

UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaer has warned that “considerable work” would be needed to ensure that the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah endures.

Hennis-Plasschaer said she “welcomed” the news of the ceasefire which she said “marks the starting point of a critical process” to restore safety and security of civilians in both countries.

“Considerable work lies ahead to ensure the agreement endures,” she said on X on Tuesday.

“Nothing less than the full and unwavering commitment of both parties is required.”

Sen. Susan Collins said its ‘critical’ U.S. stands by Israel after ceasefire

Sen. Susan Collins welcomed news of the ceasefire, but urged the U.S. to continue to stand by Israel.

“It is good news that a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been reached that will allow residents to return to their homes in northern Israel,” she said on X.

“Attacks by this Iranian-backed terrorist group have displaced, injured, and killed hundreds of innocent Israelis and resulted in harm to the people of Lebanon as well. It is critical that U.S. continues to stand with Israel, our closest ally in the Middle East.”

White House official hopes ceasefire deal will ‘create space’ for Gaza truce

White House principal deputy national security advisor Jon Finer said that he hopes the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah will “create space” for a deal over Gaza.

“We are going to test whether this creates space for further progress, either toward a cease fire and hostage deal in Gaza,” Finer told CNN.

Finer said that it’s believed that Hamas thought that an ongoing war between Israel and Lebanon “might distract the IDF in some way might take the pressure off of Hamas in some way.”

“Actually I think the reaching of this deal, the conclusion of this deal further isolates Hamas,” he said.

Speaker Mike Johnson claims only Trump can provide lasting peace in Israel-Lebanon war after ceasefire

Speaker Mike Johnson claimed that Israel’s military success “has been in spite of the White House, not because of it” after President Biden announced a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah.

Johnson said on X today that the Biden administration had “dragged out this conflict,” and said that only Donald Trump would provide lasting peace “through strength.”

“While the Biden-Harris Administration celebrates this announcement, remember that it is STILL withholding weapons to Israel,” he said.

“We always hope for peace in the region, and still do during this 60-day ceasefire.

“But it is President Trump’s Administration that will pave the way to lasting peace, because peace only comes through STRENGTH.”

President Biden celebrates ceasefire announcement

President Biden welcomed news of the ceasefire, after announcing the deal had been accepted in a public address from the White House rose garden, Tuesday.

“Today, I have good news to report from the Middle East. I have spoken to the Prime Ministers of Lebanon and Israel. And I am pleased to announce: They have accepted the United States’ proposal to end the devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah,” he said.

Israeli minister warns ceasefire is ‘biggest test’ for government

Israel Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the ceasefire would “secure Israel’s security forever,” but it would be a big test for the government.

“Tomorrow at 4 a.m. the biggest test of the Israeli government begins, perhaps one of the biggest tests of Israeli governments in general,” Smotrich posted on Telegram Tuesday.

“If we abide by it, we will secure Israel’s security forever. I voted in favor because I believe we will abide by it,” he said.

Hezbollah says it hit Israeli air force chief’s home

Hezbollah claims to have carried out a drone strike on the Israeli Air Force chief’s residence in Tel Aviv.

“One of the sensitive military targets targeted in the city of Tel Aviv was the residence of the commander of the Israeli air force, Major-General Tomar Bar, with a squadron of qualitative dive drones,” Hezbollah said, referring to strikes on the Israeli city over the weekend.

“The operation achieved its goals precisely,” the group, from Lebanon, continued in its statement on Telegram.

There was no immediate response from Israel’s military.

Israel military issues evacuation warnings for Beirut

The Israeli military has issued evacuation warnings for parts of Beirut’s, just hours after President Joe Biden announced a ceasefire had been agreed between Israel and Hezbollah.

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee shared a map on X, focusing on buildings in the Bourj Al-Barajne and Ghbaire areas.

He claimed in the post that the areas were located “near Hezbollah facilities and interests, against which the IDF will act forcefully in the near future.”

The Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire is set to go into effect at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday, and fighting appears to be continuing through to the deadline.

Israel carries out airstrike on Lebanon moments after Biden’s ceasefire announcement

Within minutes of President Biden’s ceasefire announcement, Beirut was hit by another Israeli airstrike.

It appears that fighting will continue right up until the formal ceasefire deadline, which starts at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday (9 p.m. ET).

VP Harris welcomes ceasefire announcement

Vice President Kamala Harris has welcomed the news of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

“Thanks to [President Biden’s] leadership, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been agreed,” she said on X.

“Hezbollah will not be allowed to threaten Israel, civilians will return to their homes on both sides of the border, and a more hopeful future for the people of Lebanon can begin.

“This ceasefire will end the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that has been so devastating, but there is more work to do. We will continue to work toward a future where all people in the region can enjoy peace, security, and dignity.”

When does the ceasefire start?

The Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire is set to start at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday (9 p.m. ET Tuesday).

Israel is expected to stop all military operations in Lebanon and against Lebanese targets, and Hezbollah and its allies is expected to stop all operations against Israel.

However, Israel have 60 days to withdraw all its troops from Lebanese soil.

Israeli border city mayor slams ceasefire deal

The mayor of an Israeli border city hard-hit by Hezbollah rocket attacks has condemned the ceasefire deal.

Avichai Stern, the mayor of the city of Kiryat Shmona, said that many residents were unlikely to return to their homes over fears that Hezbollah would set up bases on the border, “the minute we withdraw.”

“I don’t dispute that we’ve achieved a lot in the war. But what happens the minute we withdraw?” Stern asked. “They’ll return to the same place, just a minute from the border, with a clear line of sight — ready to conquer northern Israel.”

He added that some city residents “will always go back” to their homes, “but in this situation, I think many will not,” he added.

European Commission calls ceasefire ‘very encouraging’

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah “very encouraging news.”

“First and foremost for the Lebanese and Israeli people affected by the fighting. Lebanon will have an opportunity to increase internal security and stability thanks to Hezbollah’s reduced influence,” von der Leyen said on X, Tuesday.

France and US say ceasefire deal will ‘secure Israel’ from Hezbollah

Leaders from the U.S. and France have announced, in a joint statement, that the ceasefire deal will “secure Israel” from Hezbollah.

“The announcement today will cease the fighting in Lebanon, and secure Israel from the threat of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations operating from Lebanon,” President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron said today.

They added that the deal could create the conditions for a “lasting calm,” and that both the U.S. and France will work “to ensure this arrangement is fully implemented.”

Graham welcomes ceasefire days after threatening to crush allies over Netanyahu warrant

Senator Lindsey Graham welcomed the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah, days after warning he would “crush” the economy of any country supporting the ICC’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“I am very pleased to hear that a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been reached regarding the conflict in Lebanon,” Graham, a South Carolina Republican, said on X. “Well done to all those involved in reaching this agreement. I appreciate the hard work of the Biden Administration, supported by President Trump, to make this ceasefire a reality.

“This ceasefire will protect Israel from another October 7th and will give the people of Lebanon a break from the fighting. My hope is that we can soon achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and allow peaceful solutions to replace endless conflict.”

Last week, the International Criminal Court issued multiple warrants for those involved in the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, including for Netanyahu, his former defense minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas military leader, Mohammed Deif.

The court has accused them of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the war in Gaza.

During an interview appearance on Fox News with host Sean Hannity on Friday, Graham, an ally of President-elect Donald Trump, warned: “If you are going to help the ICC as a nation and force the arrest warrant against Bibi and Gallant, the former defense minister, I will put sanctions on you as a nation.

“You’re going to have to pick the rogue ICC versus America. I’m working with [Senator] Tom Cotton to have legislation passed as soon as we can to sanction any country that aids and abets the arrest of any politician in Israel. So, to any ally, Canada, Britain, Germany, France, if you try to help the ICC, we’re going to sanction you,” Graham said.

Netanyahu thanks Biden for US involvement in Lebanon ceasefire deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has spoken with President Biden to thank him for America’s involvement in the ceasefire.

Netanyahu’s office said that he’d thanked Biden for the U.S. help in obtaining the agreement, but he was also grateful “for the understanding that Israel will maintain freedom of action in its enforcement.”

Biden says Israel-Hezbollah war has created refugee crisis

President Joe Biden said that 300,000 Lebanese and 70,000 Israelis have been made refugees since the Israel-Hezbollah war began.

“Since the war with Hezbollah began, over 70,000 Israelis have been forced to live as refugee in their own country, helplessly watching their homes, their businesses, their communities as they are bombarded and destroyed,” he said Tuesday.

“And over 300,000 Lebanese people have also been forced to live as refugees in their own country,” Biden said.

“All told, this has been the deadliest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in decades,” he added.

Biden: ‘Israel did not launch this war’

“Let’s be clear, Israel did not launch this war, Lebanese people did not seek that war either, nor did the United States,” he said at the start of his remarks.

“This has been the deadliest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in decades,” he added.

Biden says ceasefire will take effect soon

Biden said that the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon will take effect at 4 a.m. local time.

“Over the next 60 days, the Lebanese army will deploy and take control of the territory again,” Biden said. “Hezbollah’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon will not be allowed to be rebuilt. And over the next 60 days, Israel will gradually withdraw its remaining force. Civilians on both sides will soon be able to safely return to their communities.”

Ceasefire deal approved

The Israeli cabinet has reportedly accepted a cease-fire agreement with Hezbollah, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

During a meeting on Tuesday, 10 ministers supported the plan and one opposed it.

The particular parameters of the agreement are unknown, but Netanyahu’s administration says Israel would maintain the ability to fire on targets in Lebanon if it deems threatened.

Biden to speak now

Joe Biden is now going to speak from the Rose Garden in regard to the ceasefire.

Mike Waltz credits Trump for ‘everyone coming to the table’

Rep. Mike Waltz, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for national security advisor, credited Trump’s win with bringing the parties together to reach a cease-fire in Lebanon.

President Joe Biden to speak momentarily

U.S. President Joe Biden is set to share remarks on the ceasefire deal that was agreed upon.

He was set to speak at 2:30 p.m. ET. There is no word on what is causing the delay.

‘We will attack’ if Hezbollah backs out of agreement’: Netanyahu

Netanyahu said in a televised announcement he will offer the cease-fire plan to Cabinet ministers later Tuesday, who are anticipated to vote on it.

He highlighted a number of victories against Israel’s regional foes and stated that a cease-fire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its greatest adversary, Iran, which supports both parties.

“If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.”

Israel’s security minister calls ceasefire deal a ‘historic mistake’

Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, slammed the ceasefire deal as a “historic mistake” on Tuesday.

In a post on X, the hardline minster claimed that an agreement that relied on the Lebanese army was “an agreement on ice.”

“The Lebanese army does not have the authority at all, and certainly not the ability to overcome Hezbollah,” he wrote in Hebrew on the social media platform.

He added that without a security zone inside Lebanon, that missiles would be launched at Israel again, leading to war.

“This is a historical mistake,” he added.

“This is not a ceasefire. It’s a return to the concept of silence for silence, and we’ve already seen where it leads.”

Chuck Schumer shares statement on ceasefire agreement

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer shared a statement on the recent Israel-Hesbollah ceasefire agreement.

Top EU diploma had warned Israel had ‘no excuses’ to reject ceasefire deal

The European Union‘s top diplomat stated on Tuesday that Israel had “no excuses” for rejecting the ceasefire agreement with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Josep Borrell, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, emphasized that all Israel’s security concerns had been addressed within the framework of the recent U.S.-French-brokered deal.

Speaking ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement, Borrell had urged increased pressure on Israel to counteract hardliners within its government who oppose a proposed ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.

Speaking at a Group of Seven (G7) meeting in Italy, he warned that without the implementation of a ceasefire, “Lebanon will fall apart.”

Read in full from Michael D. Carroll on Newsweek.

Biden set to address nation from White House after ceasefire deal announced

President Joe Biden is set to address the nation from the White House’s rose garden after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to a ceasefire deal in Lebanon.

Israel struck Beirut ahead of vote on ceasefire

Israeli warplanes struck central Beirut and its southern suburbs on Tuesday, while Israel’s leaders prepared to vote on a proposed U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hezbollah.

Smoke rose over the Lebanese capital while the Israeli military issued warnings for 20 buildings in southern Beirut to evacuate ahead of additional strikes.

Israeli forces also reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River, a key location in the proposed truce.

Lebanese officials indicated Hezbollah supports the agreement, which could bring an end to more than a year of fighting.

However on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s security Cabinet was still deliberating, and approval was not guaranteed.

Read the full story by Amir Daftari on Newsweek.

How did the current conflict between Israel and Hezbollah start?

Following the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, the conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah escalated from intermittent clashes into a full-scale war. Over recent months, Israel has targeted and killed key Hezbollah leaders while deploying ground forces into southern Lebanon, intensifying the regional hostilities.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, Israeli bombardments have killed over 3,500 people in Lebanon and wounded more than 15,000. On the Israeli side, approximately 90 soldiers and nearly 50 civilians have been killed by rockets, drones, and missiles in northern Israel and during ground fighting in Lebanon.

Read in full from Michael d. Carroll on Newsweek.

Deaths since start of war mount

Since October 7, 2023, Israeli assaults on Lebanon have killed at least 3,823 people and injured 15,859 others, according to the country’s health ministry.

In the most recent 24-hour reporting period, 55 people were killed and 160 were injured, according to the ministry.

Israeli diplomat blasts ceasefire deal as ‘fragile’

Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas has called the ceasefire deal “very fragile.”

The former ambassador told Al Jazeera that several of the clauses in the agreement are “un-enforceable”.

“It assumes that the Lebanese army will supervise the manufacturing and the sales and the transfer of weapons in Lebanon, and that’s an impossibility,” he said.

“We all know that the Lebanese army has always shunned any kind of confrontation with Hezbollah.”

Exclusive: Hezbollah says Israel ‘defeated’ after Netanyahu seeks ceasefire

A representative of the Lebanese Hezbollah movement has announced to Newsweek the group’s victory after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won the backing of his cabinet for a ceasefire approval.

Netanyahu said during televised remarks Tuesday that he would recommend an agreement to halt the conflict in Lebanon, which intensified substantially in recent months amid a simultaneous war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israel has been engaged in battles on multiple fronts in the Middle East since Hamas led a surprise attack against the country on October 7, 2023.

Shortly after Netanyahu’s announcement, a spokesperson for Hezbollah told Newsweek that the group, which was involved indirectly in United States-backed negotiations via Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, had yet to be officially notified of the plan.

“We have not been informed of Israel’s approval until now except through the media,” the Hezbollah spokesperson said. “We will wait for the document.”

Still, the Hezbollah spokesperson affirmed that, despite the heavy blows dealt to the powerful organization throughout the conflict, it remained “strong in the field and with every day that passes we become stronger.”

“Israel was defeated,” the spokesperson said. “It only killed innocent people.”

Read the full story by Tom O’Connor on Newsweek.

What is the ceasefire deal?

The ceasefire deal would pause fighting between Israel and Hezbollah for two months.

It requires Hezbollah to pull its fighters from southern Lebanon, while Israeli forces would withdraw back to their border.

Unlike previous deals, there is no plan for a buffer zone inside Lebanon, such as the area occupied from 1982 until 2000. Instead, troops will withdraw back to their border.

Lebanese soldiers and U.N. peacekeepers would be deployed in the area, overseen by an international monitoring panel led by the U.S. to monitor the peace.

It would also allow the evacuated Lebanese villagers and town residents to return home.

However, Israel has warned that it maintains the right to respond if Hezbollah violates the terms.

Deaths on both sides

According to Lebanese health officials, Israeli fire has killed over 3,760 people in Lebanon in the last 13 months, the majority of whom were civilians. The bombings have displaced 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel claims it has killed over 2,000 Hezbollah members.

Hezbollah shelling has caused around 50,000 Israelis to leave in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south as Tel Aviv. At least 75 individuals have been killed, with civilians accounting for more than half. More than 50 Israeli troops were killed during the ground invasion in Lebanon.

Hezbollah supports deal

According to Lebanese authorities, Hezbollah also supports the deal. If ratified by all parties, the agreement would be a significant step toward resolving the Israel-Hezbollah war, which has heightened tensions in the area and prompted concerns about a larger battle between Israel and Hezbollah’s benefactor, Iran.

The agreement calls for a two-month pause in warfare and requires Hezbollah to cease its military presence in a large portion of southern Lebanon, while Israeli forces return to their side of the border. Thousands of Lebanese military and United Nations peacekeepers would be deployed in the south, while an international commission led by the United States would supervise all parties’ compliance.

Lebanon PM calls for ‘immediate’ start to ceasefire

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati is demanding an “immediate” implementation of the ceasefire.

Speaking after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his security cabinet would decide on the deal “this evening,” Mikati called on the international community to act to “implement an immediate ceasefire”.

Netanyahu says war will not stop until northern Israeli civilians can return safely

Netanyahu began his remarks today by praising the northern Israeli people’s persistence and resilience.

He expresses gratitude to the Israel Defense Forces for their valiant efforts in achieving significant success. He goes on to say that the whole world is in awe of Israel’s actions, which reflect its influence throughout the Middle East.

Netanyahu went on to stress that the battle will not cease until northern Israeli people can safely return home.

Ceasefire deal announced after Israeli airstrikes leave ten dead in Beirut

Israeli strikes killed at least 10 in Beirut on Tuesday, according to the Lebanon government.

At least seven were killed when a four-story building was hit in central Beirut, the health ministry said.

Another three died during strikes on Beirut’s Mazraa district.

Netanyahu looking to ‘broader, bigger picture’

Hezbollah in Lebanon is no longer the same, according to Netanyahu, who adds that Israel’s military has killed its key commanders as well as Nasrallah, the group’s previous head.

He claims the earth in Lebanon trembles. He further claims that Israel has “struck great targets” and damaged Hezbollah’s infrastructure.

He claims to be looking at all seven fronts of the fight as well as the “broader, bigger picture” and is motivated to deliver Israel victory.

Israeli security cabinet approves ceasefire deal

The Israeli security cabinet has voted to approve Benjamin Netanyahu’s ceasefire deal.

The deal would pause the fighting with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

U.N. spokesman says peacekeeping forces ‘stand ready to enforce’ ceasefire

United Nations spokesman Farhan Haq has said that the U.N.’s peacekeeping forces, along with the U.N,’s special coordinator for Lebanon, “stand ready to enforce” a ceasefire.

Haq added that the U.N. was “seriously concerned” about Israel’s heavy bombing of Lebanon today, the New York Times reports.