November 26, 2024, New York, NY – The American Jewish Congress welcomes the long-awaited ceasefire agreement announced between Israel and Lebanon, marking a crucial step forward in restoring stability to a region that has endured far too much suffering imposed by Iran and its proxies since October 7.
This agreement should pave the way for thousands of Israeli families displaced from northern Israel to finally return home after the end of the monitoring period. Tragically, the pain endured by Israeli and Lebanese families could have been avoided had Lebanon heeded the yearlong calls by the United States and Israel to curb Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed proxy that launched relentless missile attacks on northern Israel.
The courage and persistence of American and Israeli leadership must be acknowledged in bringing about this agreement. For over a year, U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu worked tirelessly to create the conditions necessary for this breakthrough. Through their efforts, the Lebanese government was finally compelled to act in the interest of its own citizens, agreeing now to deploying the Lebanese Army to territories once dominated by Hezbollah and ending its subservience to Iranian objectives.
Thousands of Lebanese citizens can now breathe a sigh of relief, grateful for Israel’s precision-led military actions that crippled some of Hezbollah’s terror infrastructure. These actions have empowered Lebanese leaders to make decisions that serve Lebanon’s interests, rather than continuing to act as a proxy for Iran’s strategic ambitions.
As we reflect on this moment, we must also look beyond Lebanon to Gaza, where a similar transformation remains urgently needed. Just as Lebanon has taken a step toward reclaiming its sovereignty from an Iranian-backed proxy, the people of Gaza deserve support to free themselves from the grip of Hamas, another Iranian proxy that has caused immeasurable suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians. Just as in Lebanon, Israeli actions in Gaza aim to eventually help free Palestinians in Gaza from subservience to Iranian agendas.
While the ceasefire agreement is a welcome development, Israel retains the right to closely monitor its implementation. It is imperative that Hezbollah not exploit this cessation of hostilities to regroup or resupply its positions in southern Lebanon. Vigilance will be key to ensuring that this hard-won peace endures. Now is the time for Lebanon’s Arab and international allies to step forward and encourage its leadership to pursue a comprehensive peace with Israel. Such a move would not only bring an end to the painful chapter of Iranian interference but also herald a new era of stability and prosperity for the region.
As advocates for peace and regional stability, we at the American Jewish Congress (AJCongress) urge Lebanon to honor this agreement and work toward a brighter future for both nations.
(Photo Credit: AYAL MARGOLIN/REUTERS)
