Israel-Lebanon ceasefire to take effect Wednesday

Israel's security cabinet approved on Tuesday night a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said in a statement, reported Xinhua.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV News reported that the ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, was expected to take effect on Wednesday at 4 a.m. local time (0200 GMT) in Israel and Lebanon.

The security cabinet approved the ceasefire by a majority of ten votes to one, with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir casting the sole dissenting vote.

"Israel appreciates the United States' contribution to the process and reserves its right to act against any threat to its security," the statement said.

Meanwhile, less than six hours before the ceasefire was due to take effect, air defense sirens sounded in several areas in northern and central Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces said the sirens were activated following the launch of three projectiles from Lebanon, which were successfully intercepted by the Israeli Air Force. No casualties were reported.

Meanwhile, the United Nations welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, a senior UN official said in a statement on Tuesday, reported Xinhua.

The agreement marks the starting point of a critical process, anchored in the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006), to restore the safety and security that civilians on both sides of the Blue Line deserve, said Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN special coordinator for Lebanon.

The UN statement came hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the nation's security cabinet approved a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. The ceasefire is expected to take effect on Wednesday morning.

Considerable work lies ahead to ensure the agreement endures, Hennis-Plasschaert said, adding, "Nothing less than the full and unwavering commitment of both parties is required."

It is clear that the status quo ante of implementing only select provisions of resolution 1701 (2006), while paying lip service to others, will not suffice, she noted. "Neither side can afford another period of disingenuous implementation under the guise of ostensible calm."

Hennis-Plasschaert commended the parties on "seizing the opportunity to close this devastating chapter."

"Now is the time to deliver, through concrete actions, to consolidate today's achievement," she said.