US defense secretary welcomes Lebanon cease-fire, hopes for end to Gaza war

By Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin welcomed a cease-fire deal announced Tuesday between Israel and Hezbollah, calling it a "historic moment" that could help bring stability to the region and end the cycle of violence along the border.

In a statement, Austin said the agreement announced by President Joe Biden would enable "tens of thousands of civilians in both Lebanon and Israel to return safely to their homes on both sides of the border" and halt the destruction caused by the conflict.

"Our support for Israel's security remains ironclad, and so does our support for Israel's right to defend itself from Iranian-backed terrorist organizations like Lebanese Hizballah and Hamas," Austin said, adding the Defense Department will work closely with international and interagency partners to support the implementation of the cease-fire.

While lauding the progress made on the Israel-Lebanon border, Austin also expressed hope for an end to Israel's war in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need to improve humanitarian conditions.

"We must continue to focus on improving the desperate humanitarian conditions in Gaza, and we remain committed to securing the release of all of the hostages in Gaza, including U.S. citizens," he added.

Israel’s security cabinet approved a cease-fire agreement with Lebanon on Tuesday evening.

Biden confirmed that both Israel and Lebanon agreed to the deal, which took effect at 4 a.m. local time (0200GMT) Wednesday.

The cease-fire deal will see the Lebanese Armed Forces "deploy and take control of" southern Lebanon over the course of the next 60 days, during which time, "Israel will gradually withdraw its remaining forces," the president said in televised remarks.