Netanyahu says Israel will enforce ceasefire deal, respond forcefully to any violation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israel will implement a ceasefire deal to bring a halt to its conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, but will respond forcefully to any violation.

Netanyahu made the remarks in a televised speech after Israel’s security cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement.

The duration of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon, Netanyahu said in the address, translated from Hebrew. "We will enforce the agreement and respond forcefully to any violation."

A ceasefire agreement with Lebanon will enable Israel to focus on the threat from Iran, rebuild its forces and improve its weapons, he said, adding that Israel will make every effort to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Earlier in the day, Israel's security cabinet held a meeting to discuss the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah in Lebanon even as Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting central Beirut and the city's southern suburbs on the same day, killing seven and injuring 37.

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, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. Israel's Channel 12 TV News reported Tuesday night that the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire deal will take effect Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. local time (0800 GMT).

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on his social media account that the Lebanese caretaker government will hold a ministerial meeting on Wednesday morning to discuss the current situation and the latest trends in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

Netanyahu says Israel will enforce ceasefire deal, respond forcefully to any violation

China is ready to work with other countries to use the three global initiatives as an opportunity to elevate global maritime governance and improve the well-being of all people, according to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks on Tuesday in a live video address delivered at a symposium on global maritime cooperation and ocean governance.

Noting that global governance is facing new opportunities and challenges, Wang said that the active promotion of global maritime governance and the construction of a maritime community with a shared future are integral to building a community with a shared future for all.

He called on all parties to promote high-quality and sustainable marine development, maintain universal and lasting maritime security, and promote the global exchange of marine civilization.

The international community has always agreed that dialogue and cooperation should be strengthened, that maritime peace and stability should be maintained, and that global maritime governance should be advanced, Wang stressed.

China is ready to work hand in hand with the international community to promote maritime peace, prosperity and civilization integration for all countries, he said.

Chinese foreign minister highlights global maritime governance