The United States announced on Wednesday, June 4, that Lebanon and Israel had reached an understanding to implement a ceasefire, following the conclusion of the fourth round of negotiations between the two sides in Washington.
The US State Department said in a statement that the two sides agreed to accelerate the establishment of “pilot zones” where the Lebanese Armed Forces would have exclusive control on the ground, excluding all non-state armed actors.
It added that the ceasefire is linked to the full implementation of both sides’ commitments, including Hezbollah’s commitment to a ceasefire and the withdrawal of its members from the area south of the Litani River, as part of security arrangements aimed at strengthening stability along the border.
The US State Department said that placing these areas under Lebanese army control would pave the way toward a broader security and peace agreement between Lebanon and Israel, stressing that the future of relations between the two countries must be decided by their internationally recognized governments.
The statement affirmed Washington’s rejection of any role for non-governmental actors or outside parties in determining Lebanon’s future, noting that Lebanon and Israel reaffirmed that they had no mutual hostile intentions.
Direct Negotiations
According to the US State Department, the two sides committed to continuing direct negotiations to address outstanding issues and reach a comprehensive agreement. During their meetings, the delegations discussed a security framework based on previous talks held at the US Department of Defense, the Pentagon, on May 29.
Washington said the security framework includes dismantling non-state armed groups and preventing their reconstitution or return to border areas.
The United States stressed that any permanent agreement to halt hostilities must be reached directly between the Lebanese and Israeli governments under US sponsorship, announcing its rejection of any parallel or separate negotiation tracks outside direct negotiations.
Support for the Lebanese Army
The US administration affirmed that it would continue supporting the Lebanese army and strengthening its capabilities, enabling it to impose state sovereignty over all Lebanese territory.
In return, the statement said Israel remained committed to direct negotiations under US sponsorship, considering its security linked to the disarmament of Hezbollah and the dismantling of its military structure.
Lebanon, for its part, stressed the need to respect internationally recognized borders and fully implement the cessation of hostilities, while affirming the principles of national sovereignty and the unity of Lebanese territory.
The US State Department revealed that the two sides agreed to resume the political and security tracks during the week beginning June 22, aiming to reach a comprehensive agreement. Washington will continue to act as mediator and facilitate communication between the two sides in the next phase.
Earlier Agreement
US President Donald Trump announced that an agreement had been reached for a ceasefire in the war taking place in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah.
Trump said on Monday, June 1, that he had communicated with Lebanese Hezbollah through mediators and obtained a pledge that it would not attack Israel.
He added that he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting that Israel agreed to withdraw any forces that had been preparing to launch an attack in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Trump confirmed in a post on Truth Social that Israeli forces would not head to Beirut, and that any forces already on their way there had been ordered to return.
Reuters also reported, citing an unnamed Lebanese official, that Hezbollah informed the United States, through Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, that it was ready to stop attacks on northern Israel in exchange for Israel refraining from launching any raids on Beirut and its suburbs.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he had told Trump of Israel’s intention to target Beirut if Hezbollah continued targeting Israel.
