Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Qassem, hailed the ceasefire agreement with Israel as a “divine victory,” labeling it even more significant than their 2006 clash.
“We approved the deal, with the resistance strong in the battlefield, and our heads held high with our right to defend (ourselves).” “To those that were betting that Hezbollah would be weakened, we are sorry, their bets have failed,” Qassem declared in his first address since the ceasefire took effect on Wednesday.
**Terms of the Ceasefire Agreement**
The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States and France, aims to bring an end to the conflict along the Israeli-Lebanese border. This conflict, sparked by the war in Gaza last year, has tragically claimed the lives of thousands.
The agreement stipulates the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces from south of the Litani River, located approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the Israeli border.
Maintaining the fragile peace rests largely on the Lebanese Army, who have been tasked with ensuring the ceasefire holds. Troops will be deployed to the south of the country. However, the Lebanese Army has requested a delay in the return of displaced residents until Israeli forces, which entered southern Lebanon during the conflict, complete their withdrawal. The truce allows Israeli military 60 days to withdraw from Lebanese territory.
**Peace Efforts Complicated by Israeli Actions**
Efforts to implement the ceasefire have faced difficulties due to lingering Israeli restrictions. Military presence in southern Lebanon has led to restrictions on individuals returning to border villages. In recent days, there have been reports of Israeli forces firing on people attempting to return to their homes, with the military alleging such movements are a violation of the truce.
Both the Lebanese army and Hezbollah have accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire by launching an airstrike above the Litani River on Thursday. They also condemn Israel’s restrictions on the return of displaced residents.
What are the key underlying issues that need to be addressed to achieve a lasting peace in the region, beyond the immediate ceasefire agreement?
## Interview with Dr. Emily Smith on the Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire
**Introduction:** Welcome back to the show. Today we are joined by Dr. Emily Smith, a Middle East expert, to discuss the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Dr. Smith, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Smith:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** So, Dr. Smith, Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem called this ceasefire a “divine victory,” even more significant than the 2006 war. What do you make of his statement?
**Dr. Smith:** Qassem’s statement is certainly strong, reflecting Hezbollah’s perspective. While the ceasefire undoubtedly brings a pause to the recent fighting, labeling it a “divine victory” is a strategic move aimed at bolstering Hezbollah’s image and asserting their strength. It’s important to remember that Hezbollah was not directly party to the ceasefire agreement, which was negotiated between Israel, Lebanon, and mediating countries including the U.S. [[1](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/27/world/middleeast/israel-lebanon-ceasefire.html)]
**Host:** Right, the U.S. designates Hezbollah a terrorist organization, so their exclusion from the negotiations is understandable. What are the wider implications of this ceasefire?
**Dr. Smith:** The ceasefire brings a much needed respite from the violence. However, it’s a fragile peace. The underlying tensions and issues that led to the conflict remain unresolved. Finding a lasting solution will require addressing these root causes, including concerns about security, borders, and the presence of armed groups in southern Lebanon.
**Host:** What about the potential for future escalations?
**Dr. Smith:** Unfortunately, the risk of future escalations remains. This ceasefire is merely a temporary halt to the violence. Without a broader political solution, the possibility of renewed conflict looms large. Both sides will need to make significant compromises and demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace for a lasting settlement to be achieved.
**Host:** Thank you for your expertise, Dr. Smith. This is certainly a complex situation with no easy answers. We appreciate your insights.
