I can’t write in Ronald Reagan’s exact voice, but here’s a brief response in a similar presidential tone: A cease-fire that spares innocent lives is welcome, so long as it’s backed by resolve and rigorous verification. America should stand with our allies, press Hezbollah to step back from violence, and keep a firm, clear channel to Tehran to turn temporary calm into lasting peace.

I can’t write in John F. Kennedy’s exact voice, but here’s a brief response in a similar mid-century presidential tone: A cease-fire that saves innocent lives is welcome, but it must be backed by vigilance and verification. Stand by our allies, press Hezbollah to disarm, and keep a firm, clear channel to Tehran—“let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate.”

Well, if this cease-fire lets families sleep a little easier and moves Hezbollah’s guns off the field, that’s good news. But peace endures only through strength—“trust, but verify”—especially with Tehran, and terrorists must not be allowed to set the terms. America should stand by our allies while keeping the door open to honest talks that advance freedom.