Joe Biden (00:00):
… been attacked by Hamas and Israel. Hours later, at 2:00 A.M. in the morning, Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations backed by Iran attacked Israel in support of Hamas. Let's be clear. Israel did not launch this war. The Lebanese people did not seek that war either, nor did the United States. Over the past year, including the days immediately following October 7th, I directed the US military to flow assets and capabilities into the region, including aircraft carriers, fighter squadrons, and sophisticated air defense battery, to defend Israel and deter our common enemy at critical moments. Since the war with Hezbollah began, over 70,000 Israelis have been forced to live as refugees and their own country, helplessly watching their homes, their businesses, their communities, as they're bombarded and destroyed. And over 300,000 Lebanese people have also been forced to live as refugees in their own country, in a war imposed on them by Hezbollah.
(01:17)
All told, this has been the deadliest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in decades. How many of Hezbollah's senior leaders are dead, including its longtime leader, Nasrallah? And Israel has destroyed Hezbollah's terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon as well, including miles of sophisticated tunnels, which were prepared for an October 7th-style terrorist attack in northern Israel. But lasting security for the people of Israel and Lebanon cannot be achieved only on the battlefield, and that's why I directed my team to work with the governments of Israel and Lebanon to forge a ceasefire to bring the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah to a close. Under the deal reached today, effective at 4:00 A.M. tomorrow, local time, the fighting across the Lebanese-Israeli border will end. Will end. This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities. What is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations will not be allowed, I emphasize will not be allowed, to threaten the security of Israel again.
(02:32)
Over the next 60 days, the Lebanese army and state security forces will deploy and take control of their own territory once again. Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon will not be allowed to be rebuilt. And over the next 60 days, Israel will gradually withdraw its remaining forces. And civilians on both sides will soon be able to safely return to their communities and begin to rebuild their homes, their schools, their farms, their businesses, and their very lives. We're determined that this conflict will not be just another cycle of violence, and so the United States, with the full support of France and our other allies, has pledged the work with Israel and Lebanon to ensure that this arrangement is fully implemented. The agreement totally implemented. There'll be no U.S. troops deployed in southern Lebanon. This is consistent with my commitment to the American people to not put U.S. troops in combat in this conflict. Instead, we, along with France and others, will provide the necessary assistance to make sure this deal is implemented fully and effectively.
(03:48)
Let me be clear. If Hezbollah or anyone else breaks the deal and poses a direct threat to Israel, then Israel retains the right to self-defense consistent with international law, just like any country when facing a terrorist group pledged to that country's destruction. At the same time, this deal supports Lebanon's sovereignty. And so it heralds a new start for Lebanon, a country that I've seen most of over the years, a country with rich history and culture. If fully implemented, this deal could put Lebanon on a path toward a future that's worthy of its significant past. And just as the Lebanese people deserve a future of security and prosperity, so do the people of Gaza. They too deserve an end to the fighting and displacement. The people of Gaza have been through hell. Their world is absolutely shattered. Far too many civilians in Gaza have suffered far too much, and Hamas has refused for months and months to negotiate a good-faith ceasefire and a hostage deal.
(05:00)
And so now, Hamas has a choice to make. Their only way out is to release the hostages, including American citizens, which they hold, and in the process bring an end to the fighting, which would make possible a surge of humanitarian relief. Over the coming days, the United States will make another push with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and others to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. With the hostages released and the end of the war without Hamas in power, that becomes possible.
(05:36)
As for the broader Middle East region, today's announcement brings us closer to realizing the affirmative agenda that have I'm pushing forward during my entire presidency. A vision for the future of the Middle East where it's at peace and prosperous and integrated across borders. A future where Palestinians have a state of their own, one that fulfills its people's legitimate aspirations, one that cannot threaten Israel or harbor terrorist groups with backing from Iran. A future where Israelis and Palestinians enjoy equal measures of security, prosperity, and yes, dignity. To that end, the United States remains prepared to conclude a set of historic deals with Saudi Arabia, to include a security pact and economic assurances, together with a credible pathway for establishing a Palestinian state and the full normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, a desire they both have.
(06:40)
I believe this agenda remains possible, and in my remaining time in office, I'll work tirelessly to advance this vision for an integrated, secure, and prosperous region, all of which strengthens America's natural security. Getting all this done will require making some hard choices. Israel has been bold on the battlefield. Iran and its proxies have paid a very heavy price. Now, Israel must be bold in turning tactical gains against Iran and its proxies into a coherent strategy that secure Israel's long-term safety and advances a broader peace and prosperity in the region. Today's announcement is a critical step in advancing that vision, and so I applaud the courageous decision made by the leaders of Lebanon and Israel to end the violence. It reminds us that peace is possible. Say that again. Peace is possible. As long as that is the case, I'll not for a single moment stop working to achieve it. God bless you all. Sorry to keep you waiting so long. May God protect our troops. Thank you.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
Mr. President, will you get a ceasefire in Gaza before leaving office?
Joe Biden (08:05):
You asked me whether I'll get a ceasefire in… I think so. I'm hoping. I'm praying.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
How is this push any different from the previous ones?
Joe Biden (08:07):
[inaudible 00:08:08]. It's a lot different.
Speaker 3 (08:14):
Mr. President, what have you told the new administration?
Speaker 4 (08:15):
[inaudible 00:08:22] president?