Israel security cabinet approves ceasefire deal with Lebanon

Israel's security cabinet approved a cease-fire agreement with Lebanon late Tuesday.
US President Joe Biden confirmed that both Israel and Lebanon agreed to the deal, which will take effect at 4 a.m. local time (0200GMT) Wednesday.
"The Security Cabinet, this evening, in a 10-1 vote, approved the US proposal for a cease-fire arrangement in Lebanon," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.
"Israel appreciates the US contribution to the process and maintains its right to act against any threat to its security," the statement added.
Under the cease-fire deal, Biden told the press, fighting between Israeli forces and the Lebanese Hezbollah group across the Lebanese-Israeli border early Wednesday, according to Israel's Army Radio.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday evening outlined the reasons for approving a cease-fire agreement with Lebanon, announcing that the agreement would be presented to the Cabinet for approval later that night.
In a televised address, Netanyahu stated, "Tonight, I will present the Cabinet with the framework of a cease-fire agreement with Lebanon." He noted that the cease-fire's duration would depend on developments in Lebanon, hinting that it may be a temporary truce rather than a permanent agreement.
Addressing a contentious clause in the deal, which Lebanon reportedly opposes, Netanyahu asserted, "In full coordination with the US, we are maintaining complete freedom of military action."
He elaborated, "If Hezbollah violates the agreement or attempts to rearm, we will strike. If they rebuild infrastructure near the border, we will strike. If they fire rockets, dig tunnels, or transport missiles, we will strike."
Netanyahu cited three key reasons for supporting the cease-fire at this time: "focusing on the Iranian threat, fully restoring Israel's military strength, and isolating Hamas by separating the various conflict arenas."