Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to implement a ceasefire following US-led negotiations in Washington, according to a joint statement issued by the United States, Israel, and Lebanon after a fourth high-level trilateral meeting held on June 2-3.
The agreement aims to end months of fighting in Lebanon and lays the groundwork for further negotiations toward a broader peace and security arrangement between Israel and Lebanon.
Ceasefire Conditions
The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of fire by the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia and the withdrawal of all Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector.
As part of the agreement, Israel and Lebanon agreed to swiftly establish pilot security zones in southern Lebanon. Under the arrangement, the Lebanese Armed Forces will assume exclusive control of these areas, excluding all non-state actors.
Officials said the measures are intended to create conditions for progress toward a comprehensive peace and security agreement.
Background to the Conflict
The ceasefire follows months of conflict that intensified after Israel launched a military operation in Lebanon in March targeting Hezbollah. The group had been carrying out cross-border attacks in support of Iran.
A previous ceasefire agreement reached last month failed to halt hostilities, but the latest negotiations resulted in renewed commitments to enforce a lasting truce.
Hezbollah is not participating in the ongoing Israel-Lebanon negotiations.
Israel, Lebanon to Meet Face-to-Face
Israel and Lebanon reiterated that they bear each other no ill will and agreed to pursue direct negotiations to establish trust, settle unresolved issues, and strive for a comprehensive pact between the two nations.
The delegations also discussed a security framework designed to ensure the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of both Lebanon and Israel. The framework includes efforts to dismantle non-state armed groups and prevent their re-emergence.
Political and security talks are scheduled to reconvene during the week of June 22, with the United States continuing to facilitate communication between the parties.
Focus on Sovereignty
The joint statement stressed that the future relationship between Israel and Lebanon must be determined by their sovereign governments.
All parties rejected “any attempt, by any state or non-state actor, to hold Lebanon’s future hostage.”
Lebanon reaffirmed its commitment to internationally recognized borders, territorial integrity, and the full implementation of the cessation of hostilities. The Lebanese government also pledged to strengthen the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces, with US support, to exercise effective control throughout the country.
The United States reiterated its commitment to supporting both governments and emphasized that any agreement to end hostilities must be reached directly between Israel and Lebanon under US mediation.
Iran’s Role
The United States, Israel, and Lebanon jointly condemned Iran’s attacks on countries in the region and its activities that they said undermine stability across the Middle East.
The statement specifically criticized support for proxy groups and other acts of aggression, while reaffirming opposition to efforts by external actors to influence Lebanon’s future.
Iran has previously argued that Israeli military operations in Lebanon should be addressed as part of any broader understanding involving the regional conflict.
What Comes Next
Under the agreement, the Lebanese Armed Forces will gradually take control of designated pilot zones in southern Lebanon while Hezbollah fighters withdraw from the area south of the Litani River.
Officials said these steps are intended to create conditions for a broader peace process and a comprehensive agreement addressing long-term security concerns for both Israel and Lebanon.
The next round of political and security discussions is expected to begin during the week of June 22.
