President Joe Biden spoke on Tuesday evening from the White House following the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, which went into effect on the morning of November 27. He praised France’s role in facilitating the agreement and emphasized the need to focus on the situation in Gaza

This ceasefire marks the end of over a year of violence and two months of direct conflict between Israel and Lebanon. The European Union, the UN, and the United States had intensified their efforts in recent weeks to bring about this accord.

For President Biden, this development represents a significant diplomatic achievement as his term comes to a close. In his address, he noted that this “good news” was made possible through France’s commitment: “I thank President Macron for his partnership, which made this possible,” he stated. He added that the United States and France would work with their allies to ensure the agreement’s adherence, describing it as “a new beginning for Lebanon.”

“Peace is also needed in Gaza”

However, Biden is aware that new challenges lie ahead, particularly in the Gaza Strip. “The people of Gaza also deserve for the conflict to end. They have endured terrible hardships,” he emphasized.

He specified that the United States would step up pressure, working with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and other nations to negotiate a sustainable ceasefire, the release of hostages, and an end to the war while excluding Hamas from power. Biden also asserted that the U.S. was prepared to finalize strategic agreements with Saudi Arabia, involving a security pact, a plan for a Palestinian state, and normalization of relations with Israel.

The president reiterated his support for a two-state solution, concluding on an optimistic note: “Peace is possible.” He acknowledged that for these goals to be achieved, Israel would need to make “bold” decisions to transform its strategic successes against Iran and its allies into a long-term security strategy. At 82, President Biden is aware of the limited time left before handing over to President-elect Donald Trump in 54 days.