Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire if Hezbollah also agrees to stop hostilities, according to a joint statement from both countries and the United States. The deal is contingent on a complete cessation of fire from the Iran-backed group, which must also evacuate all operatives from Lebanese territory south of the Litani River near the border with Israel.
The statement read: Israel and Lebanon reaffirmed that they have no hostile intent toward one another and committed to continuing direct negotiations to build confidence, resolve all outstanding issues, and work toward a comprehensive agreement between the two countries. The two sides, which do not have formal diplomatic relations, also agreed to create pilot zones in which the Lebanese armed forces will take exclusive control of the territory to the exclusion of all non-state actors.
Next Steps in Negotiations
Both sides will meet for more talks the week of June 22, with a view toward reaching a comprehensive agreement. The development came despite continued cross-border attacks earlier in the day, with Hezbollah saying it targeted Israeli troops and Israeli strikes killing at least nine people in southern Lebanon.
U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this week said he spoke with highly placed representatives of Hezbollah and they agreed that all shooting will stop between the group and Israel. Iran has demanded Israel end strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon as part of any agreement with the U.S. to resolve the ongoing regional war, which has effectively shuttered the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump's Role in De-escalation
The agreement comes days after a phone call between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which Trump directed expletives at the Israeli leader as he sought to deescalate fighting in Lebanon and keep peace talks with Iran on track. Trump said in an interview: I was a little bit perturbed at him constantly fighting with Lebanon. At some point, I said: Bibi, we have to stop this.
The ceasefire agreement marks a significant step toward reducing tensions in the region, though implementation remains dependent on Hezbollah's compliance.
