Biden Announces Ceasefire in Lebanon: Iran's Proxies Have Paid a Heavy Price

On Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden delivered a speech broadcast live, officially announcing a ceasefire at the Lebanon border, emphasizing that Israel did not start this war. He also stated that the people of Lebanon and the U.S. did not want this war either. Biden pointed to Israel's actions in delivering strong blows to Hezbollah, the armed group supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, noting that leaders of this group, including Hassan Nasrallah, its long-time leader, have been killed, and Israel has destroyed Hezbollah's terrorist structures in southern Lebanon. He mentioned that these facilities were designed for an attack similar to the one on October 7 against northern Israel. The U.S. President stressed that sustainable security for the people of Israel and Lebanon cannot be achieved solely through the battlefield, and for this reason, he tasked his team with achieving a ceasefire. He said: 'I instructed my team to design a ceasefire in collaboration with the governments of Israel and Lebanon that would end the hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.' Biden added that according to the agreement reached today (Tuesday), fighting at the Lebanon border would cease tomorrow at 4 AM local time. This agreement is designed for a permanent end to hostilities, and remnants of Hezbollah and other terrorist groups will not be allowed to threaten Israel's security. He announced that within the next 60 days, the Lebanese army and state forces will take control of the Lebanon border, and Hezbollah will not be allowed to rebuild its facilities. He also added that Israel will gradually withdraw its remaining forces from Lebanon, and civilians from both countries will soon be able to return to their residential areas and rebuild their lives. The U.S. President emphasized that this agreement is not merely a temporary pause in the cycle of violence, and the United States, with the support of France and other allies, is committed to working with the governments of Israel and Lebanon to fully implement this agreement. Biden further clarified that U.S. forces will not be stationed in southern Lebanon as he had promised the American people. Instead, he said, with France's help, they will work to ensure this agreement is fully and effectively implemented. In conclusion, Joe Biden warned that if Hezbollah or any other group violates this agreement and poses a direct threat to Israel, Israel will still have the right to defend itself under international law. The U.S. President added that the people of Lebanon and Gaza deserve a better future, and Hamas faces an option to release hostages, including American citizens. Biden stated that in the coming days, the U.S. will work with Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and Israel to make another attempt at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. Joe Biden said that throughout his presidency, he has sought a Middle East characterized by peace and prosperity, and today's agreement aligns with that goal. He envisioned a future Middle East where Palestinians have their own country, and such a country cannot host terrorist groups with 'Iranian support' that threaten Israel's security. He noted that with this goal, the U.S. remains committed to reaching a series of historic agreements with Saudi Arabia that will include security pacts and economic guarantees, and that the establishment of a Palestinian state and full normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia will be included. He expressed belief that this agenda is still achievable and that he will work towards this goal as long as he is in the White House. The U.S. President added that the security and prosperity of the Middle East strengthen U.S. national security. Joe Biden stated: 'Israel has fought bravely on the battlefield, and Iran and its proxies have paid a heavy price. Now Israel must act boldly and turn its tactical achievements against Iran and its proxies into a coherent strategy to ensure Israel's long-term security and promote broader peace and prosperity in the region.' He added that the ceasefire on Tuesday is in line with this, praising the leaders of Israel and Lebanon for reaching this agreement, reminding that 'peace is possible.'