The United States announced on Wednesday that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a ceasefire following high-level diplomatic discussions in Washington, DC. The announcement came shortly after US President Donald Trump faced political pressure at home, as the US House of Representatives passed a resolution seeking to limit his military powers regarding Iran.
In a joint statement, the US State Department said that “Israel and Lebanon agreed to the implementation of a ceasefire”, subject to specific security requirements.
Ceasefire Linked to Security Conditions
According to the statement, the agreement depends on a “complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector”.
Both countries also agreed to move quickly toward establishing pilot zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces would have full control.
The statement said these areas would operate “to the exclusion of all non-state actors,” meaning armed groups outside government control would not be allowed to operate there.
Focus on Sovereignty and Security
The new framework aims to strengthen security and stability on both sides of the border. According to the statement, the agreement seeks to “sustainably ensure the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Lebanon and Israel”.
To achieve that goal, both sides agreed on the need for the “dismantlement of non-state armed groups, and the prevention of their re-emergence”.
The United States also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Lebanese military. The statement said Washington intends to help strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces and improve their ability to exercise state authority across the country.
More Talks Scheduled Later This Month
As part of the next stage of the agreement, Israel and Lebanon will resume political and security discussions during the week of June 22. The two sides hope the talks will lead to a broader and more comprehensive agreement.
The United States said it will continue facilitating communication between both countries throughout the process.
Previous Ceasefires Failed to End Violence
Israel and Lebanon had previously agreed to a ceasefire in April and later extended it into May. However, clashes and military operations continued despite those agreements.
On Wednesday, Israeli strikes reportedly killed at least six people in southern Lebanon. One attack also targeted a vehicle south of Beirut. At the same time, Israel said it intercepted a hostile aircraft that it believes Hezbollah launched.
Earlier US Efforts Reduced Escalation
A separate US-mediated arrangement announced on Monday helped reduce tensions. Under that agreement, Israel stepped back from plans to strike Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut. In return, the Iran-backed group halted cross-border attacks.
The move helped prevent a wider escalation, but tensions in the region remained high.
Conflict Remains Tied to Wider Regional Tensions
Israel launched military operations in Lebanon in March, saying it was responding to repeated Hezbollah attacks across the border. The conflict has become closely linked to the broader tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Iran has stated that it will not agree to any deal aimed at ending the wider conflict that began in late February unless a ceasefire also includes Lebanon.
Direct Negotiations to Continue
The latest statement said Israel and Lebanon have agreed to continue direct negotiations to build trust and resolve outstanding disputes. Diplomats and security officials from both countries are expected to meet again during the week of June 22.
Their goal will be to advance political and security discussions and work toward a long-term agreement that could bring greater stability to the region.