President Biden announces Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreement

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden said that a plan to "end the devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah" had been approved by the governments of Israel and Lebanon.

Biden described the ceasefire as "designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities." The agreement is scheduled to take effect Wednesday at 4 a.m. local time, ending the fighting along the Israel-Lebanese border.

"Let me be clear, if Hezbollah or anyone else breaks the deal, and poses a direct threat to Israel, then Israel retains the right to self-defense consistent with international law," the president said from the White House.

He emphasized that the deal is beneficial to Lebanon and upholds its sovereignty, and that its citizens, like those of Gaza, should be free from the bloodshed and displacement.

“I want to thank President Macron of France for his partnership in reaching this moment for nearly 14 months a deadly conflict raged across the border that separates Israel and Lebanon, a conflict that began the day after the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel,” Biden added.

"The people of Gaza have been through hell. Their world is absolutely shattered," Biden said, adding that Hamas' only way out of the war with Israel is to release the hostages.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, said shortly after the president's announcement that his Cabinet had voted 10 ministers to 1 in favor of the U.S.-brokered agreement.

"Israel appreciates the U.S. contribution to the process, and reserves its right to act against any threat to its security," Netanyahu stated.

As part of his goal for a vibrant Middle East, Biden stated that his administration will seek a truce once more in the coming days, this time in Gaza.

"A future where Palestinians have a state of their own, one that fulfills these peoples' legitimate aspirations," he said. "One that cannot threaten Israel or harbor terrorist groups with backing from Iran. A future where Israelis and Palestinians enjoy equal measures of security, prosperity, and, yes, dignity."