Washington/New Delhi: Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire following U.S.-led negotiations in Washington, according to a joint statement issued by the United States, Israel and Lebanon after two days of talks.
The agreement aims to reduce hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border and advance efforts toward a broader peace arrangement.
The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of attacks by Hezbollah and the withdrawal of all Hezbollah operatives from areas south of the Litani River. The parties also agreed to establish pilot zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces will exercise exclusive control, excluding all non-state actors.
In the joint statement, the United States said Israel and Lebanon reaffirmed that they have “no hostile intent toward one another” and committed to continuing direct negotiations aimed at building confidence, resolving outstanding issues and working toward a comprehensive agreement.
Further talks are scheduled for the week of June 22.
The agreement comes amid wider regional tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran and follows several previous ceasefire efforts that failed to fully halt violence.
However, uncertainty remains over the implementation of the deal. Hezbollah, which was not a party to the negotiations, has rejected the ceasefire framework and indicated it will continue resistance operations as long as Israeli forces remain in Lebanese territory.
Despite the announcement, military activity has continued in parts of southern Lebanon, highlighting the challenges facing efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire.
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