STORY: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he was ready to implement a ceasefire deal with Lebanon.

He also said he would respond forcefully to any violation by Hezbollah, declaring Israel would retain "complete military freedom of action."

Netanyahu said his security cabinet approved the deal and he would now bring it to his entire cabinet.

The agreement requires Israeli troops to withdraw from south Lebanon and Lebanon's army to deploy in the region, officials say.

Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the border south of the Litani River.

Lebanon's foreign minister said the army is ready to deploy thousands of troops to the area and the United States could play a role in rebuilding infrastructure destroyed by Israeli strikes.

Netanyahu said a ceasefire would allow Israel to focus on the threat from Iran, give the army a rest, and isolate Hamas... the militant group that triggered war in the region when it attacked Israel from Gaza last year.