Israel and Lebanon to Enter Ceasefire at 4:00 am Israel Time with Written Guarantees from USA

The Prime Minister’s Office has officially confirmed: The Security Cabinet has approved the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire arrangement in Lebanon with 10 ministers in favor and one opposed. Minister Ben Gvir cast the sole opposing vote, while Minister Smotrich voted in favor despite earlier raising conditions.

“Israel appreciates the United States’ contribution to the process and reserves its right to act against any threat to its security,” the PMO statement added.

President Biden has confirmed the ceasefire will begin at 4:00 AM, while PM Netanyahu has told northern municipalities that residents should not return home yet, saying “We will wait to see if the other side upholds the agreement.”

The U.S. has provided Israel with written guarantees including:

⁠ ⁠Intelligence sharing regarding violations and Hezbollah infiltration of Lebanese army
⁠ ⁠U.S. commitment to counter Iranian activities in Lebanon
⁠ ⁠Israel’s right to respond to threats from Lebanese territory
⁠ ⁠Israeli surveillance flights permitted over Lebanon (without breaking sound barrier)
⁠ ⁠Israel’s right to act against violations in southern Lebanon and threats outside it

IDF Chief of Staff Halevi stated in the meeting that “we can proceed with the agreement based on our achievements, and if needed, we will strike even harder.”