Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire following two days of negotiations in Washington under the auspices of US President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to a joint trilateral statement released by the US State Department, the agreement is conditional on a complete halt to fire by Hezbollah and the rapid withdrawal of all Hezbollah members from areas south of the Litani River.
The announcement followed two days of discussions between Israeli, Lebanese and US representatives aimed at reducing tensions along the border.
Pilot zones to be controlled by Lebanese army
The statement said both sides had agreed to immediately establish pilot zones under US guidance where the Lebanese Armed Forces would exercise exclusive control.
The arrangement would exclude all non-state armed groups from operating in those areas, a move widely seen as targeting Hezbollah’s presence in southern Lebanon.
Officials said the measures are intended to create conditions that would allow both countries to move towards a broader peace and security agreement.
Future of relations to be decided by sovereign governments
The statement stressed that the future relationship between Israel and Lebanon must be determined by their respective governments.
It also rejected attempts by any state or non-state actor to influence Lebanon’s future, an apparent reference to Iran and Hezbollah.
Both governments have also agreed to participate in a new round of talks during the week beginning 22 June as efforts continue towards a comprehensive agreement.
Trump separates Lebanon talks from Iran
Earlier, President Trump insisted that discussions concerning Lebanon should remain separate from negotiations involving Iran.
However, Tehran has rejected that approach, arguing that the conflicts in the region should be viewed as part of a single broader war.
The diplomatic developments came as violence continued on the ground. Israeli air strikes in Lebanon on Wednesday killed nine people, including a soldier and two rescue workers, highlighting the fragile security situation despite ongoing negotiations.
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