A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is now in effect, contingent on Hezbollah halting all attacks and withdrawing its fighters south of the Litani River, the State Department said on Thursday.
Israel and Lebanon, with the mediation of the United States, have agreed to a ceasefire, the US State Department announced on Thursday.
The parties held their fourth high-level meeting on June 2-3.
“As a result of the US-led negotiations, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire regime. The ceasefire is conditional upon a complete cessation of attacks by Hezbollah and the withdrawal of all its members from the area south of the Litani River,” the statement said.
The parties also agreed to move swiftly towards the establishment of pilot zones in which the Lebanese Armed Forces would exercise sole control over the territory, with no presence of any non-state armed groups.
The State Department expressed its belief that these steps would help pave the way towards a comprehensive peace and security agreement.
During the talks, the parties reached a consensus that the future of relations between Israel and Lebanon should be determined by two sovereign governments.
“Israel and Lebanon reaffirmed that they harbour no hostile intentions towards one another and committed to continuing direct negotiations to build trust, resolve all outstanding issues, and work towards a comprehensive agreement between the two countries,” the State Department said.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that after discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and representatives of Hezbollah, the parties had agreed to a ceasefire.
Subsequently, Hezbollah confirmed Trump’s announcement regarding the ceasefire agreement with Israel.
