Israel Approves Cease-Fire With Hezbollah to Halt War in Lebanon

The Israeli security cabinet on Tuesday night approved a deal for a cease-fire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, signaling that more than a year of conflict will soon be suspended, and raising hopes around the region that Lebanon’s deadliest war in decades could be over.

The cease-fire will take effect at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday, President Biden said at the White House.

The 10 to 1 vote by Israeli ministers came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel publicly embraced the proposal in a televised speech to the nation.

Just hours earlier, Israeli forces had pounded the heart of Beirut and Hezbollah-dominated neighborhoods south of the city with some of the heaviest airstrikes of the war, sending residents fleeing in a panic.

Mr. Biden said he had spoken with Mr. Netanyahu and with Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon, and “I’m pleased to announce their governments have accepted the United States proposal to end the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.”

Mr. Biden said the agreed-on cease-fire will be phased in over 60 days, but that “This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.”