In the wake of escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, India has expressed strong support for the recently announced ceasefire between the two parties.
On Wednesday (Nov 27, 2024) the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement welcoming the truce, stressing India’s long-standing position on de-escalation, restraint, and the return to dialogue. “India welcomes the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that has been announced. We have always called for de-escalation, restraint, and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. We hope these developments will lead to peace and stability in the wider region,” the statement read.
This ceasefire comes after months of deadly conflict, with both sides exchanging missile fire and suffering heavy casualties. The ceasefire agreement is designed to be permanent, signalling a hopeful end to the violence that has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands. US President Joe Biden confirmed that the agreement was meant to be “permanent,” offering a glimmer of hope for lasting peace in the region.
Terms of the Ceasefire Agreement
The ceasefire deal, negotiated mainly by the United States and France, outlines several key conditions aimed at de-escalating tensions and ensuring long-term stability along the Israel-Lebanon border. One of the most significant provisions is the removal of Hezbollah fighters and weapons from the area between the Blue Line (the unofficial border) and the Litani River, located about 30 kilometers north of Israel. The plan calls for Hezbollah’s fighters to be replaced by Lebanese army forces, who will take responsibility for ensuring that Hezbollah’s infrastructure is dismantled and that it cannot be rebuilt.
Over a 60-day period, the Lebanese army is expected to deploy approximately 5,000 troops to take control of the area. However, the effectiveness of this force has raised questions. The Lebanese military has expressed concerns over its ability to enforce the terms of the ceasefire, citing a lack of resources. Still, many Western officials believe that the moment is ripe for the Lebanese government to reassert control over its territory, particularly as Hezbollah’s influence has been weakened in recent months.
Israel, in turn, will gradually withdraw its forces and civilians from the area, facilitating the return of civilians on both sides of the border to their homes. As part of the monitoring process, the United States and France will join the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire and ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement.
The Escalation: What Led to the Ceasefire?
The recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah was triggered by a series of violent incidents in 2023, with the tipping point coming in mid-September. On September 17 and 18, explosions rocked parts of Lebanon, specifically targeting handheld pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members. These sophisticated remote attacks, which killed 37 people and injured thousands, were widely attributed to Israel, although Israel did not officially claim responsibility. Hezbollah vowed revenge, marking the beginning of the current round of hostilities.
The conflict had already been simmering due to the ongoing tensions stemming from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist militant group based in Lebanon and a close ally of Iran, began firing missiles into northern Israel in solidarity with Hamas and the Palestinians. This was followed by Israeli airstrikes, resulting in a fierce exchange of fire across the border.
The violence escalated further after Israeli forces killed Hezbollah’s top leadership in a series of targeted airstrikes. Israel’s ground troops entered Lebanon in early October, engaging Hezbollah fighters in a series of clashes near the border. The exchange of fire has caused significant casualties on both sides. According to Lebanese health officials, over 3,760 people have died from Israeli airstrikes, while more than 2,000 Hezbollah members have been reportedly killed by Israeli forces.
Hezbollah’s Role in the Conflict
Hezbollah, founded in 1982 and backed by Iran, has long been a key player in the ongoing Israel-Lebanon tensions. The group is one of Lebanon’s most powerful military forces and has consistently opposed Israel’s existence. It serves as a proxy for Iran in the region, supporting other militant groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), both of which are also involved in the conflict with Israel. Hezbollah’s involvement in the recent conflict was framed as an act of solidarity with Hamas and the broader Palestinian cause.
Since October 7, 2023, Hezbollah’s missile strikes have added a dangerous new dimension to the conflict, which has been largely centered around Gaza. Their involvement is part of a larger Iranian strategy to confront Israel, with Tehran’s proxies—such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen—acting in coordination to advance Iran’s goals in the region.
India’s Role and Diplomatic Position
India has maintained a consistent stance on the Israel-Lebanon conflict, calling for peace, dialogue, and a diplomatic resolution. The Indian government has expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of the conflict, particularly on civilian populations, and has reiterated the need for a comprehensive, lasting solution to the broader Israeli-Palestinian issue.
While India maintains strong diplomatic ties with Israel, it also has a longstanding relationship with Lebanon and supports its sovereignty. India’s call for a de-escalation in the Israel-Lebanon conflict aligns with its broader foreign policy principles of non-violence and peacekeeping.
The Path Forward
As the ceasefire holds, the focus will shift to the implementation of the terms outlined in the agreement. The presence of 5,000 Lebanese troops in southern Lebanon, the dismantling of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces are key challenges that will require sustained international support.
While the agreement brings a momentary respite from violence, the underlying issues that have fuelled the Israel-Lebanon conflict—particularly Hezbollah’s role and the broader regional tensions between Iran and Israel—remain unresolved. The US and France will play pivotal roles in monitoring the ceasefire and ensuring that violations do not threaten the fragile peace. For now, the focus is on maintaining stability and ensuring that this ceasefire does not become another temporary pause in an ongoing conflict.
As the world watches, the hope is that this ceasefire can pave the way for a more permanent solution, bringing much-needed peace and stability to the region.