Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire, the US State Department said Wednesday.
The deal is contingent on a complete halt to Hezbollah attacks and the evacuation of its operatives from Israeli‑controlled areas between the Litani river and the border, BBC reports.
It follows Israeli strikes that killed nine in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah rocket fire into northern Israel, testing a fragile truce first reached in April.
“All countries reaffirmed that the future of Israel–Lebanon ties must be decided by the two sovereign governments,” the statement said, rejecting attempts by any state or non‑state actor to hold Lebanon’s future hostage.
The US said it would help establish pilot zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces would take exclusive control, excluding all non‑state groups.
The announcement comes after a partial ceasefire Monday under which Israel agreed not to bomb Beirut in exchange for Hezbollah refraining from attacks. Israel and Lebanon will meet again June 22 for further talks toward a comprehensive agreement. Hezbollah has yet to comment publicly.
