Israel and Lebanon Reach US‑Mediated Ceasefire Deal with Hezbollah Conditions

Israel and Lebanon announced a U.S.–mediated agreement to implement a full ceasefire, contingent on Hezbollah halting all attacks and withdrawing its fighters from areas south of the Litani River. The deal creates pilot security zones inside Lebanon that will be placed under the exclusive control of the Lebanese army, barring non‑state armed groups.

The three‑way statement, issued by the United States, Israel and Lebanon, says the arrangement is intended to pave the way for a broader peace and security accord. It reiterates that the future of Israel‑Lebanon relations must be decided solely by the two sovereign governments, a message aimed at Iran, Hezbollah’s main backer. The parties also agreed to resume direct talks the week of June 22.

The announcement followed recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon that killed nine people, including a soldier and two rescuers. The United States pledged continued support for strengthening Lebanese armed forces to secure the pilot zones and to prevent the re‑emergence of non‑state militias.