Streams of cars seen heading toward southern Lebanon even as IDF warns civilians not to return to villages yet; IDF strikes in Beirut continue until hour before start of truce
A ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon came into effect at 4 a.m. on Wednesday, bringing an end to almost 14 months of Hezbollah-initiated fighting across the northern border, which began the day after the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror onslaught in southern Israel.
The agreement, which Israel’s national security cabinet approved in a vote of 10 ministers to one on Tuesday night, will reportedly provide for a 60-day transition period, during which the IDF will withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon, while the Lebanese Army will deploy some 5,000 troops south of the Litani River, including at 33 posts along the border with Israel.
Hezbollah forces will leave southern Lebanon, and its military infrastructure will be dismantled. The US has also reportedly provided a side letter specifying Israel’s rights to respond to any violations of the ceasefire.
