Jewish groups welcome Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as vital for stability

The Jewish Federations of North America said it welcomed the agreement for Israel's ceasefire with Lebanon, saying that Israel has "long endured the unacceptable threat" of Hezbollah. 

"Throughout this harrowing period, Jewish Federations have been there to support Israel's communities, and we will continue to support them in their needs going forward," JFNA said in a statement. 

JFNA said it's hopeful that this agreement will "help pave the way for a more stable future, allow Israel's citizens to return to their homes, and end the unacceptable rain of rockets and missiles that have terrorized Israel's civilians these past 14 months."

JFNA thanked President Biden for his "lifelong support and friendship of Israel and the Jewish people."

In a statement, AIPAC also said it appreciated the Biden administration's efforts to work closely together with US ally Israel to forge a ceasefire in Lebanon.

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"This war was a direct byproduct of Iran arming and funding its terror proxy Hezbollah and the international community’s failure to enforce Security Council Resolution 1701 after the 2006 war," AIPAC said. 

AIPAC said continuing US-Israel cooperation is essential both to maintain the ceasefire and prevent Iranian aggression in the region.

"We call on the international community to remedy its failures following the 2006 war and ensure Hezbollah can't rearm or operate south of the Litani River," AIPAC said.  

The World Jewish Congress said that while Israel's military gains in Lebanon over the past few months were a "demonstration of resilience" in the face of "relentless threats," the ceasefire was a key move for Israel's security. 

"Today’s proposed ceasefire agreement for Israel and Lebanon offers a vital step toward restoring this fundamental sense of security for those living in the north of the country," said WJC President Ronald S. Lauder in a statement. "We are grateful to the United States and France for their work to bring about this essential agreement aimed at ensuring regional stability."

WJC further added that Israel must shift its attention to the war in Gaza so that those displaced from their homes can enjoy the "promise of peace in their daily lives."

JStreet, a pro-israel and pro-peace North American organization said that the ceasefire was an important regional step.

"However, the work of US diplomacy will not be complete until a ceasefire and hostage deal is reached for Gaza as well," The organization said in a statement. "J Street hopes that today’s announcement can be a catalyst for progress toward returning the hostages, ending the fighting in the south and surging much-needed humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.”

The organization additionally urged for a "comprehensive regional agreement" between Israel and Palestine and stated that "the only path to lasting security runs through the kind of successful diplomacy that resulted in today’s agreement."

The Democratic Majority for Israel said in a statement that the ceasefire "reaffirms our long-standing belief that this is the most pro-Israel administration in American history. The President’s deep understanding of the region and its complexities, combined with his diplomatic expertise, has once again proven vital in this achievement.

“We also commend President Biden for prioritizing an agreement with Hamas in Gaza that frees the remaining hostages, ends their rule, and surges humanitarian aid into Gaza," the organization added. "His commitment to expanding Israel’s integration in the region is both admirable and crucial.

The Democratic Majority for Israel reaffirmed its gratitude for the administration's efforts to build a more secure Middle East.

The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) welcomed the news of the ceasefire deal in a statement on Wednesday morning. 

AIJAC Executive Director Colin Rubenstein said, "While we welcome news of the ceasefire, we remain cautious, because we know from bitter experience that Israel's enemies systematically violate legal obligations with zero pushback by the international community."

"We hope it will be different this time, and innocent civilians on both sides of the border can rebuild and return to their homes, free from the Hezbollah terrorist threat," Rubenstein concluded.