Israel and Lebanon agree to US-backed ceasefire conditioned on Hezbollah’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon.”
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a US-brokered ceasefire following two days of intensive negotiations in Washington, with the deal directly conditioned on Hezbollah halting fire and withdrawing its operatives from the South Litani Sector.
A joint statement issued after the talks said the ceasefire depends on the “complete cessation of Hezbollah fire” and the evacuation of all Hezbollah personnel from southern Lebanon. The agreement follows the fourth round of US-mediated negotiations and is aimed at transforming a fragile halt in fighting into a broader political and security framework.
To support implementation, Israel and Lebanon agreed to rapidly advance the creation of pilot zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces will assume exclusive territorial control, excluding Hezbollah and all other non-state armed actors. The arrangement is intended to create controlled areas of stability and build momentum toward a comprehensive peace and security agreement.
The joint statement also rejected attempts by any state or non-state actor to hold Lebanon’s future hostage, a clear reference to Iranian influence and Hezbollah’s independent military power. Both sides reaffirmed that they have no hostile intent toward one another and committed to continuing direct negotiations.
The emerging framework builds on earlier defense discussions held at the Pentagon on May 29 and outlines a roadmap focused on the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of both Lebanon and Israel. Central to that roadmap is the dismantling of non-state armed groups and preventing their re-emergence.
Washington pledged continued support for strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces so they can exercise effective sovereignty across Lebanese territory. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently described Hezbollah as not only an enemy of Israel and America, but also “an enemy of Lebanon.” Israel, meanwhile, said its security can only be guaranteed through Hezbollah’s disarmament and the dismantling of its infrastructure throughout Lebanon.
Lebanon emphasized the need for respect for internationally recognized borders and the full implementation of the cessation of hostilities, including measures addressing Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon.
The sides are expected to reconvene during the week of June 22 to resume political and security talks, with the United States continuing as mediator. The next round will test whether the ceasefire can move beyond declarations and produce enforceable changes on the ground, especially in areas where Hezbollah has long maintained military control.
