Israel and Lebanon Reach US‑Mediated Ceasefire, Hezbollah Withdrawal Conditioned

The United States facilitated a high‑level meeting in Washington in which Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire. The accord requires the Iran‑backed Hezbollah group to stop all attacks and withdraw its fighters from the area south of the Litani River, and it calls for the creation of a U.S.‑backed “security zone” that will be fully controlled by the Lebanese army.

Both sides said the agreement could pave the way toward a broader peace and security framework, while noting that Hezbollah has not participated in the talks and its acceptance of the terms remains uncertain. Israeli forces continued limited strikes in southern Lebanon, including a drone attack that local sources said killed at least six people.

U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking at the White House, added that an agreement with Iran could be reached “this weekend,” linking the regional ceasefire to broader Middle‑East diplomatic efforts.