Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a conditional ceasefire following United States (US)-led talks in Washington DC, according to a joint statement released by both sides. The agreement depends on a complete cessation of fire by Hezbollah.
Under the terms, the two countries will establish pilot zones where the Lebanese armed forces will take exclusive control of the territory, excluding all non-state actors.
This development marks the fourth round of direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli diplomats since fighting began on March 2.
The sides do not share formal diplomatic relations. According to the joint statement, both delegations plan to meet for further negotiations during the week of June 22 to work toward a comprehensive agreement.
US President Donald Trump stated that he wanted to separate talks regarding the conflict in Lebanon from those concerning the war with Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that any attack on Beirut would trigger a “full-scale resumption” of war.
Following the announcement, air raid alarms sounded in northern Israel. The Israeli military reported the interception of a hostile aircraft and two projectiles.
Hezbollah stated that “in response to the Israeli enemy army’s violation of the ceasefire,” its fighters targeted soldiers in northern Israel with a rocket barrage.
The group also stated that it launched a salvo of rockets at Israeli soldiers and vehicles in Al-Qantara, alongside targeting an Israeli command position near Chqif Castle with two drones.
Prior to the talks, senior Hezbollah official Mahmud Qomati stated that the group would “not accept a partial ceasefire.” A previous truce scheduled for April 17 was never observed, with both sides citing violations by the other.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported Israeli strikes on more than 20 locations in southern Lebanon after evacuation warnings.
The Lebanese health ministry stated that an attack in Al-Hawsh killed four Syrians and two Palestinians. The ministry also reported that an Israeli strike targeted an ambulance, killing two paramedics from the Risala Scouts Association, and a subsequent attack killed a third paramedic from the Islamic Health Committee in Zibdine.
The Lebanese army stated that a soldier was killed and two personnel were wounded in separate strikes, denouncing Israel’s “deliberate targeting of army personnel, vehicles and positions”.
