Speaking from the Rose Garden of the White House, US President Joe Biden said he had “good news” and was “pleased to announce” that after speaking with the prime ministers of Israel and Lebanon, they had accepted the ceasefire agreement.

“Let’s be clear, Israel did not start this war, nor did Lebanon seek this war, nor did the United States“, he says. He said he directed financial and military resources to flow into the region, “and to defend Israel and deter our common enemy at a critical time».

Deadliest Hezbollah-Israel conflict in decades

Since the start of the war, more than 70,000 Israelis were forced to live as refugeesBiden said, as they watch their neighborhoods being “destroyed.” He adds that over 300,000 Lebanese they have also been forced to become refugees.

“This was the deadliest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in decadess.” “When the agreement goes into effect,” Biden added, “thei battles will end. This is a plan for a permanent cessation of hostilities».

He reiterated that civilians on both sides would soon be able to return safely to their neighborhoods.

We will continue to push for a ceasefire in Gaza

The US, with France and allies, is committed to working with Israel and Lebanon to ensure that the agreement is fully implemented, he said. He stressed that no US troops would be involved.

On Gaza, he said the people there also deserve an end to the fighting. “The people of Gaza have been through hell. Their world has fallen apart». Biden said his administration would continue to push for a cease-fire in Gaza as well.

It states that over the next 60 days, Israel will gradually withdraw its remaining forces. Civilians on both sides will soon be able to safely return to their neighborhoods and begin rebuilding their lives, Biden says. He adds that if Hezbollah violates the agreement, Israel has a right to self-defense according to international law.

“The people of Gaza deserve an end to the fighting”

Biden says the people of Gaza “deserve an end to the fighting and displacement.” “The people of Gaza have been through hell” and have suffered “too much,” Biden says.

Hamas has a choice, he adds. Their “only way out” is to release the hostages taken by Israel last year and end the fighting, which would allow aid to be delivered. He pointed out that in the coming days the US will make another effort to “achieve a ceasefire in Gaza”.

“We are closer to the vision of peace”

This brings them closer to the vision of peace in the Middle East, he says. The United States remains ready to make “historic deals” to create a Palestinian state and normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

“I believe this agenda remains strong,” the president says, adding that he will spend his remaining days in office working “tirelessly” toward it.

Biden concludes by stating that today’s cease-fire announcement is a critical step toward achieving peace and prosperity in the Middle East. It welcomes the decision taken by the leaders of Lebanon and Israel to end the violence. “It reminds us that peace is possible,” he says.

Netanyahu-Biden phone conversation

Biden had a telephone conversation with Netanyahu. In particular, according to a statement from the Press Office of the Israeli Prime Minister:

“The Security Council this afternoon (Tuesday, November 26, 2024) approved by a vote of 10-1 the US proposal for a cease-fire agreement in Lebanon.

Israel appreciates the US contribution to the process and reserves its right to act against any threat to its security.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon spoke with US President Joe Biden and thanked him for the US’s involvement in reaching the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and for understanding that Israel retains freedom of action to implement her».