Lebanon, Israel agree to ceasefire contingent on Hezbollah withdrawal

Lebanon and Israel have agreed to implement a ceasefire, a significant step toward de-escalation brokered by the United States. The agreement, reached after two days of high-level trilateral talks in Washington D.C. on June 2 and 3, 2026, is conditional on a complete cessation of fire by Hezbollah and the withdrawal of its operatives from the South Litani Sector.

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The United States convened the fourth high-level trilateral meeting between Israeli and Lebanese representatives on June 2 and 3, 2026. As a result of the U.S. led negotiations, Israel and Lebanon agreed to the implementation of a ceasefire.

Under the guidance of the U.S., both nations have committed to swiftly establishing pilot zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces will exercise exclusive control, excluding all non-state actors. This measure is intended to facilitate progress toward a comprehensive peace and security agreement. Both countries reaffirmed that their future relationship should be determined by their sovereign governments, rejecting any attempts by external actors to hold Lebanon's future hostage.

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The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hizbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hizbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector.

Israel and Lebanon declared they harbor no hostile intentions toward each other and pledged to continue direct negotiations to build confidence, resolve outstanding issues, and work towards a lasting accord. Discussions also covered a security framework, building on previous talks, aimed at ensuring the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of both nations. This includes dismantling non-state armed groups and preventing their resurgence.

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All countries reaffirmed that the future of the relationship between Israel and Lebanon must be decided by the two sovereign governments.

All parties involved condemned Iran's regional attacks and destabilizing activities. The United States reiterated its support for both governments' sovereignty, emphasizing that any ceasefire must be directly negotiated between them, with the U.S. as mediator. Secretary Rubio's statement that Hezbollah is an enemy of Lebanon, not just Israel and America, was highlighted. Israel stressed that Hezbollah's disarmament is essential for its security and territorial integrity, underscoring the importance of U.S.-led direct negotiations for durable peace.

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All parties condemned Iran’s attacks on countries in the region, and ongoing activities that undermine stability throughout the Middle East, whether through support for proxies and all other acts of aggression.