New Middle East deal: Israel and Hezbollah agree to pause long-running conflict
A US-mediated cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect this week marking a break in regional tensions. The initial two-month agreement includes plans for military position changes in southern Lebanon
A ground-breaking cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah started early wednesday morning (with US backing) marking a pause in the regions deadliest confrontation
In the last hours before the deal took effect Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern message: any breach by the Lebanese group would trigger immediate counter-actions. The Israeli leaderʼs warning came as both sides exchanged final rounds of fire
The agreement sets up a two-month cooling-off period; however a high-ranking US official (who wanted to stay unnamed) confirmed that Israeli forces wont pull back right away. The deal includes specific terms for military movements:
- Lebanese army to expand its control in south
- Israeli troops to keep current positions for now
- Future withdrawal of Israeli forces planned
- US representatives to monitor the situation
A senior diplomatic source speaking about sensitive negotiations said the deals success depends on both sides keeping their word - though previous attempts at peace have shown mixed results. The arrangement represents a significant step toward reducing cross-border tensions that have affected local communities
