Israel, Lebanon agree to implementation of ceasefire
Lebanon and Israel reached an agreement on a ceasefire following negotiations held in Washington to end the conflict that flared up with the war in Iran.
According to a joint statement with the United States published on Wednesday, the ceasefire is conditional on the complete cessation of fire by the Iran-affiliated Hezbollah militia and the evacuation of all militants from the Southern Litani Region.
“The two sides agreed on US guidance to rapidly advance the creation of pilot zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces will take exclusive control of the region, excluding all non-state actors.” they said.
Israel and Lebanon had previously agreed to a cessation of hostilities in April, which was later extended in May, but violence continued.
Israeli drone strikes killed at least six people in southern Lebanon on Wednesday and a car was targeted south of Beirut, Lebanese security sources said. Israel said it intercepted an enemy plane that was likely fired by Hezbollah.
The US-brokered deal, announced on Monday, led Israel to step back from attacking Beirut’s Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs and the Iran-backed group to halt cross-border attacks.
Israel invaded Lebanon in March in pursuit of Hezbollah, which crossed the border and opened fire in support of Tehran.
Iran has said it will not accept a deal with the United States and Israel to end the conflict that began in late February unless the ceasefire includes Lebanon.
Lebanon and Israel agreed on Wednesday to hold direct talks to build trust and resolve other important issues.
According to the statement, the two will meet again during the week of June 22 to hold political and security-related talks with the aim of reaching a comprehensive agreement.
