The Security Cabinet, this evening, in a 10-1 vote, approved the US proposal for a ceasefire arrangement in Lebanon.

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

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening, spoke to US President Joe Biden and thanked him for the US involvement in achieving the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and for the understanding that Israel maintains freedom of action in enforcing it.

In his speech to the nation PM Netanyahu said, inter alia: “The length of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon. With the United States’ full understanding, we maintain full freedom of military action. If Hezbollah violates the agreement and tries to arm itself, we will attack. If it tries to rebuild terrorist infrastructure near the border, we will attack. If it launches a rocket, if it digs a tunnel, if it brings in a truck carrying rockets, we will attack.”

He concluded: Why should we have a ceasefire now? For three main reasons:

The first reason is to focus on the Iranian threat, and I won’t expand on that.

The second reason is to give our forces a breather and replenish stocks. And I say it openly, it is no secret that there have been big delays in weapons and munitions deliveries. These delays will be resolved soon. We will receive supplies of advanced weaponry that will keep our soldiers safe and give us more strike force to complete our mission.

And the third reason for having a ceasefire is to separate the fronts and isolate Hamas. From day two of the war, Hamas was counting on Hezbollah to fight by its side. With Hezbollah out of the picture, Hamas is left on its own. We will increase our pressure on Hamas and that will help us in our sacred mission of releasing our hostages.

Citizens of Israel,
In the past year, we turned the tables. We were attacked from seven fronts and we fought back with might. We are changing the face of the Middle East. We are doing all this thanks to our brave soldiers, thanks to your tenacity and thanks to the resolute and smart management of the war.

I have said many times, a good deal is a deal that is enforced, and we will enforce it.

With God’s help, we will establish security, we will rehabilitate the north and continue, united, until victory.”