Israel-Hezbollah reach ceasefire

• A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah went into effect
• The deal aims to end over a year of cross-border hostilities
• Israel will gradually withdraw forces from Lebanon over 60 days
• Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers are set to deploy in southern Lebanon
• There are concerns about the fragility of the truce, with reports of violations

Viewpoint 1: The Ceasefire is a Positive Step Towards Peace

‍TL;DR: Supporters view the ceasefire as a crucial breakthrough that could lead to long-term stability in the region. The international backing and planned troop deployments offer hope for its success and potential for broader peace efforts.

‍Snippets from around the web

The agreement breaks the kinetic link between Hezbollah and Hamas, undermining Iran's regional influence. Tehran's deterrence has declined following direct attacks on Israel, and the deal makes it harder for Iran to rebuild Hezbollah's capabilities as easily as after the 2006 war. - Atlantic Council, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/experts-react/experts-react-israel-and-lebanon-have-struck-a-ceasefire-deal-is-the-israel-hezbollah-war-really-over/‍

The deal includes robust monitoring mechanisms with 10,000 Lebanese Army troops alongside UN peacekeepers. A US-led monitoring committee co-chaired by Major General Jasper Jeffers and Amos Hochstein will oversee implementation. - NPR, https://www.npr.org/2024/11/28/g-s1-36146/israel-hezbollah-lebanon-ceasefire-middle-east-crisis‍

Israel has achieved significant military objectives, including eliminating Hezbollah's senior leadership and destroying key infrastructure. A sophisticated operation in September destroyed numerous communication devices, demonstrating deep infiltration of the militant group. - AP News, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-lebanon-hezbollah-ceasefire-3ed296f8317ecaa89c4e3548c75c9602‍

The agreement allows for Israeli self-defense and includes a unilateral intervention clause if threats are detected. Israel retains the right to resume airstrikes with "full understanding" from the United States if conditions warrant. - France 24, https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20241128-israel-and-hezbollah-fragile-ceasefire-falters-amid-violations

Viewpoint 2: The Ceasefire is Fragile and May Not Hold

‍TL;DR: Critics argue that the ceasefire is already showing signs of instability, with reports of violations from both sides. The ongoing tensions and unresolved underlying issues could lead to a resumption of hostilities.

‍Snippets from around the web

Both sides reported violations within 24 hours of implementation. Israeli forces fired on civilians returning to southern villages while Israel claims it targeted suspects violating ceasefire conditions. - CBS News, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-hezbollah-ceasefire-claims-of-violations-on-day-2-war-hamas-gaza/‍

The unilateral intervention clause is problematic for Lebanese sovereignty. Lebanon opposed this provision from the start of negotiations, creating a fundamental tension in the agreement's implementation. - France 24, https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20241128-israel-and-hezbollah-fragile-ceasefire-falters-amid-violations‍

The massive displacement (1.2 million Lebanese and 60,000 Israelis) creates significant implementation challenges. The return of civilians faces logistical and security hurdles, with Israel warning people not to return to areas where troops are deployed. - CBS News, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-hezbollah-ceasefire-netanyahu-war-lebanon-gaza-hamas/‍

Hezbollah is unlikely to permanently abandon its southern Lebanon power base. The region represents their key support area and experts cannot envision a scenario where they permanently withdraw. - France 24, https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20241128-israel-and-hezbollah-fragile-ceasefire-falters-amid-violations‍

The agreement lacks sufficient security guarantees for northern Israeli residents to return home. This shortfall makes the ceasefire unlikely to endure since it fails to meet one of Israel's primary war objectives. - France 24, https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20241128-israel-and-hezbollah-fragile-ceasefire-falters-amid-violations