Israeli and Global Reactions to Ceasefire Agreement with Lebanon

On Monday, Israeli politicians and international leaders began to react to the proposed ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which was expected to be officially announced by the United States and France on Tuesday night. The agreement has stirred significant debate within Israel, with political figures divided over its potential impact.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir strongly criticized the deal, calling it a "grave mistake" and a "historic missed opportunity" to dismantle Hezbollah, the militant group based in Lebanon. He argued that Hezbollah is still "battered and eager for a ceasefire," and that Israel should not stop until Hezbollah is fully neutralized. Likud MK Dan Illouz echoed these concerns, warning that the agreement would grant Hezbollah "strategic achievements" and compromise Israel's security.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich dismissed the agreement, suggesting that it will be "worth the paper it's written on." He implied that Hezbollah would likely not honor the ceasefire, citing their history of violating previous agreements. MK Amit Halevi also expressed concerns, arguing that the deal legitimizes Hezbollah's dominance in Lebanon and called for the group's removal from the country altogether. Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli demanded stronger terms, insisting that Israel should not trade operational successes for an empty promise of quiet.

Amid widespread skepticism, Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter voiced opposition to what he described as a "copy-paste" of previous failed agreements. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also criticized the deal, stating that it does not address the key threats to northern Israel, including missile fire and potential invasions. Bennett emphasized the lack of a buffer zone along the Israeli-Lebanese border, which could leave Israel vulnerable to Hezbollah's military activities.

MK Tally Gotliv echoed similar concerns, calling the ceasefire agreement "terrible" and stressing that the agreement would only serve to strengthen Hezbollah. She argued that Lebanese civilians in the south would continue to serve as human shields for Hezbollah, with military infrastructure embedded in their homes.

However, not all Israeli leaders are opposed to the agreement. MK Tzvi Sukkut expressed conditional support for the ceasefire, acknowledging the difficulties of completely eliminating Hezbollah but stressing that a security buffer zone within Lebanon should be a key goal.

International Responses to the Ceasefire

International leaders have also weighed in on the situation, with the foreign ministers of the G7 democracies pushing Israel to accept a ceasefire deal, urging "now is the time to conclude a diplomatic settlement." The G7 ministers emphasized the importance of facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza and condemned increasing violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot highlighted a "window of opportunity" for a ceasefire, while German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock acknowledged the critical moment in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, offering hope that mediation could lead to peace. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed support for the ceasefire, noting its potential to provide relief for civilians in both Lebanon and Northern Israel, and also called for progress in achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.

The UK’s Foreign Minister David Lammy underscored the importance of a lasting peace in the Middle East, while Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire, marking a significant diplomatic goal for the Italian government.