Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Agreement Reached

On November 27, 2024, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was implemented, concluding over a year of intense conflict that began with a significant Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Despite Israel achieving considerable success in degrading Hezbollah's military capabilities—estimated at 80%—the ceasefire was questioned due to Hezbollah's claims of victory and reports of ongoing attacks. The agreement mandates a 60-day withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the Lebanese Army's deployment to prevent unauthorized armed groups from operating in the region. Economic damage from the conflict was estimated at $15-20 billion, with nearly 4,000 Hezbollah operatives reported killed. The U.S. is urged to learn from past mistakes regarding peacekeeping efforts to ensure effective enforcement of the ceasefire, especially given Hezbollah's history of military buildup after previous agreements. This fragile truce comes amidst broader regional tensions, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ongoing U.S. support for Israel.