The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese heritage, welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel that ends more than a year of fighting between the two parties. During this time, more than 3,700 Lebanese have been killed,15,000 injured and over 1.3 million displaced. The agreement will hopefully bring an end to the death of innocent people and allow those displaced by the conflict on both sides of the border to return home.
The agreement calls for the removal of Hezbollah’s weapons from the border area and gives Israel 60-days to withdraw progressively from southern Lebanon. An enhanced Lebanese army is to be deployed to its southern border as Hezbollah moves its remaining weaponry north of the Litani River. A US-led monitoring committee will be tasked with overseeing and addressing any violations of the agreement. This deal is based upon UN resolution 1701, which reaffirms earlier UN resolutions on Lebanon, 1559 and 1680. Its aim is to disarm all armed groups in Lebanon and restore Lebanon’s sovereignty over its territory as the basis for a lasting truce. It should also pave the way for negotiations to demarcate the land border between Lebanon and Israel.
ATFL has long been calling for a ceasefire and diplomatic solution to the crisis based on UN Security Council Resolutions 1701, 1559, and other related international agreements that require the disarmament and demobilization of non-state militias. We also view strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces as essential to securing the entire country’s territory. In addition, a robust internationally-led relief and reconstruction effort, which the World Bank has assessed will cost more than $8.5 billion, will be critical for addressing the substantial damage and economic losses to Lebanon, including helping reverse the displacement crisis.
“We commend the Biden Administration, its Special Envoy Amos Hochstein, and President-elect Trump’s team for their extensive coordination and indefatigable efforts in brokering this deal,” said ATFL President Edward Gabriel. “Its success will require US leadership and persistence in assisting the country’s recovery and guaranteeing its sovereignty, and support to the Lebanese army which is set to play a key role in the ensuing phase,” he added.
This is a time for solidarity and reflection. The focus next will need to be on strengthening institutions, starting with equipping and bolstering the army so that it can deploy across the country, stabilize the border areas, and enable the state to reclaim its sovereignty. The Lebanese political leadership must now take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity to elect a president and technically competent government that will ensure that the agreement is fully implemented.
