Israel approves UN peace deal
Israel’s Cabinet approved the UN ceasefire deal after a stormy debate today, clearing a key hurdle to ending the month-long war in Lebanon, the government said.
The 24-0 vote, with one abstention, came a day after the Lebanese government approved the agreement, and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah gave his grudging consent. The truce is due to take effect tomorrow morning, but the potential for new flare-ups remains high.
“In wake of this agreement, Hezbollah won’t continue to exist as a state within a state,” Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was quoted by army radio as telling his ministers. “The Lebanese government is our address for every problem or violation of the agreement.”
A heated debate erupted during the Cabinet session, with minister Ofir Pines-Paz criticising the government’s decision to order an expanded ground offensive in the days before the ceasefire is to take effect.
Former Minister for Defence Shaul Mofaz abstained in the vote, according to a senior government official.
Israel made it clear it will maintain its armed presence in south Lebanon until it is replaced by Lebanese army soldiers and a beefed-up United Nations force, as outlined in the resolution.
“When the Lebanese and multi-national force enters, Israel will withdraw and not before,” said Yaakov Edri, the minister who handles relations with parliament.
After a month of fighting in which more than 100 soldiers died, Edri told reporters: “I don’t think it would be correct to say it was an outright victory. But on the other hand, Hezbollah will think twice about attacking Israel next time.”
