Israel Bows To American Pressure and Agrees to Ceasefire Deal

President Joe Biden announced today that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah terror group, with the majority of Israelis opposing the deal.

By YWN

President Joe Biden announced from the White House Rose Garden that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah terror group. The ceasefire is set to take effect at 4 a.m. Wednesday. The announcement follows extensive negotiations involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and French President Emmanuel Macron.

The ceasefire comes after Israel’s national security cabinet voted overwhelmingly in favor of the agreement, with 10 ministers supporting the proposal and one, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, opposing it.

The Prime Minister’s Office said, “Israel appreciates the U.S. contribution to the process and reserves the right to act against any threat to its security.”

Ben Gvir denounced the ceasefire as a “historic mistake,” arguing it would only lead to further conflict. “This isn’t a ceasefire; it’s a return to the concept of ‘quiet for quiet,’ and we know where this leads,” Ben Gvir wrote on social media, predicting that Israel would ultimately have to return to Lebanon.

On the Lebanese side, Hezbollah officials expressed skepticism about the agreement. Mahmoud Qamati, deputy head of Hezbollah’s political council, said the group would review the terms before Lebanon signs, accusing Netanyahu of potentially misleading their government.

A Channel 12 poll revealed Israelis are split over the ceasefire. Among respondents, 37% support the agreement, 32% oppose it, and 31% are undecided. Netanyahu’s coalition supporters are particularly critical, with only 20% backing the deal. Meanwhile, among opposition voters, 50% support the ceasefire.

When asked how the war with Hezbollah ended, at least for now, 50% of respondents said it concluded without a clear victor, 20% believed Israel won, and 19% thought Hezbollah emerged victorious.

U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming national security adviser, credited Trump’s election victory with creating the conditions for the ceasefire. “President Trump’s resounding victory sent a clear message that chaos won’t be tolerated,” Waltz wrote on social media.

The agreement has also sparked debate over its durability and long-term impact. When asked how long the ceasefire would hold, 30% of Israelis predicted it would collapse quickly, 28% said it would last a few months, and only 24% believed it could endure for years.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced plans to present a ceasefire framework to the cabinet on Monday night, marking a potential pause in the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Netanyahu stressed that the ceasefire’s success would depend on Hezbollah’s compliance, warning that any violations would be met with decisive military action.

In a televised address, Netanyahu assured the Israeli public that the ceasefire agreement, developed in coordination with the United States, would not restrict Israel’s ability to defend itself. “If Hezbollah violates the agreement or attempts to rearm, we will strike,” he declared. “If it tries to rebuild terror infrastructure near the border, we will strike. If it fires a rocket, digs a tunnel, or brings in a truck carrying missiles—we will strike.”

The prime minister drew parallels to the ceasefire early on in the war in Gaza, which was implemented to facilitate the release of Israeli captives. Critics had claimed that agreeing to a pause would hinder Israel’s ability to resume operations, but Netanyahu noted that Israel had proven its resolve by resuming intense military action when necessary.

Netanyahu outlined three primary reasons for pursuing a ceasefire with Hezbollah at this time:

Addressing the Iranian Threat: While details were scarce, Netanyahu indicated that focusing on Iran’s influence in the region was a key factor.

Replenishing Military Resources: Acknowledging delays in the supply of weapons and munitions, Netanyahu said that these issues were being resolved and that Israel would soon acquire advanced weaponry to enhance its military capabilities.

Isolating Hamas: Netanyahu asserted that a ceasefire in Lebanon would neutralize Hezbollah as a threat, leaving Hamas without the anticipated support from Lebanon. “With Hezbollah out of the equation, Hamas stands alone,” he said, adding that this would increase pressure on the Gaza-based group and support efforts to free Israeli captives.

Addressing skepticism about the ceasefire, Netanyahu highlighted Israel’s recent military achievements, including ground operations in Gaza and strikes in Lebanon. “Many doubted we’d attack Lebanon—but we did, with overwhelming power and sophistication that stunned the world,” he said, urging citizens to trust in the government’s commitment to victory.

Netanyahu concluded his address by reaffirming his government’s resolve to enforce the ceasefire and rebuild northern Israel. “A good agreement is one that is enforced—and we will enforce it,” he said. “With G-d’s help, we will strengthen our security, rejuvenate the north, and continue together until victory.”

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