For now, the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will last for ten days. At the same time, however, the Israeli army will not withdraw from the southern part of the country. Can the temporary ceasefire bring lasting peace?
Donald Trump announced that Lebanon and Israel had reached an agreement on a temporary ceasefire. His initial announcement did not mention the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah at all. Later, the US president added that he hoped Hezbollah “behaves”. Trump even invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to a joint meeting at the White House.
The ceasefire came into effect at midnight local time. What is known about its parameters?
What did Israel and Lebanon agree to?
The ceasefire is temporary - it should last ten days. The agreement includes the possibility of its extension if both sides wish.
The US State Department specified that the agreement implies that Israel "reserves the right to take all necessary actions in self-defense at any time and against planned, imminent or ongoing attacks". At the same time, Lebanon must take "serious measures" to prevent attacks on Israeli targets by Hezbollah and "all other non-state armed groups". Both sides in the agreement recognize that the Lebanese security forces alone are responsible for Lebanon's security.
Israel and Lebanon have also asked the United States to continue its mediation role until a consensus is reached on all outstanding issues. The agreement also states that the ceasefire is a "show of good will" by Israel, the purpose of which is to allow for "good faith negotiations leading to a lasting peace agreement."
Hezbollah pledges to abide by ceasefire, Israel to remain in southern Lebanon
Hezbollah has expressed its willingness to join the ceasefire, but said it must include a "complete cessation of attacks" on Lebanese territory and "deprivation of Israeli forces of freedom of movement." The Iranian-backed group, while deeply entrenched in Lebanon, is not part of the Lebanese government's security forces.
Despite the agreement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli troops would remain stationed 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) deep in southern Lebanon. The United Nations estimates that more than 1.2 million people have been displaced across Lebanon, most of them in the south. Israel re-entered the area after Hezbollah attacks in early March and declared the area a "security zone." Netanyahu said this week that the troops "are there and will not leave."
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had earlier said the occupied territory would extend to the Litani River in southern Lebanon - about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the border with Israel. He also said that all houses in Lebanese villages near the Israeli border would be demolished. Since the start of the war, more than 1,400 buildings have been demolished by Israel in southern Lebanon, according to a BBC investigation. Lebanese Defense Minister Major General Michel Menassa said Katz's remarks reflected "a clear intention to impose a new occupation on Lebanese territory." European countries, Canada and the United Nations also criticized Israel's statement.