Israel and Lebanon Reach New US‑Mediated Ceasefire Deal

The United States announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed on a new cease‑fire that will take effect only if Hezbollah completely halts its attacks and all its fighters withdraw from southern Lebanon. The plan calls for Lebanese Armed Forces to assume exclusive security control of the zone between the Litani River and the Israeli border, with U.S. support to strengthen their capabilities.

The agreement follows a fourth round of U.S.–brokered talks in Washington and builds on a partial cease‑fire reached earlier in the week. Recent clashes killed at least nine people in southern Lebanon and saw rockets launched toward northern Israel. The parties will meet again on June 22 to pursue a comprehensive security arrangement, while Hezbollah has not issued an official response.