US Announces Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Agreement Following Washington Talks
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the United States has announced a significant development in the ongoing talks between Lebanon and Israel, stating that a fourth round of discussions held in Washington has concluded with an agreement on a ceasefire plan. News outlets, including Al Jazeera and ABC News, reported on the US announcement.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Lebanon and Israel have reached a consensus on a comprehensive ceasefire proposal. The implementation of this plan is contingent upon specific actions by Hezbollah, including the cessation of operations and the withdrawal of its forces from areas south of the Litani River.
The US Department of State asserted that Washington has brokered an agreement for a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. The ministry claimed that both sides have consented to the establishment of ‘pilot zones’ where the Lebanese army would hold sole responsibility for security control. The agreement reportedly stipulates that armed groups operating outside the governmental framework will not be permitted within these pilot zones.
The State Department further suggested that the phased deployment and expansion of the Lebanese army’s control could pave the way for a broader peace and security accord. In its statements, the US Department of State, without referencing repeated Israeli incursions, claimed that the future of Lebanon-Israel relations should be determined exclusively by the sovereign governments of both parties. The ministry also stated that the US opposes any efforts by countries or non-state actors to influence Lebanon’s future.
Both Lebanon and Israel reiterated their lack of hostile intentions towards each other and committed to continuing direct negotiations to resolve outstanding issues and achieve a comprehensive agreement. The agreed-upon security framework includes measures to prevent the activity and return of armed groups outside the structure of the Lebanese government. Any agreement to halt hostilities must be signed directly between the governments of Lebanon and Israel, with US support. The US Department of State emphasized its opposition to any parallel or separate track from direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.
Washington pledged to continue its support for the Lebanese army and to bolster its capabilities to exert effective sovereignty over the entire country. Lebanon, with Washington’s support, has committed to enhancing its army’s capacities for effective control across its territory. The US also agreed to continue facilitating communications and contacts between Lebanon and Israel during the transitional period.
According to the announcement, Lebanon and Israel have agreed to resume negotiations starting June 22. The US Department of State, in a statement favoring Israel and without addressing its incursions or repeated breaches of commitment in Lebanon, conveyed Israel’s assertion that its security and territorial sovereignty can only be achieved through the disarmament of Hezbollah and the dismantling of its infrastructure. Israel reportedly continues to emphasize direct negotiations, mediated and led by Washington, to resolve remaining issues and achieve peace.
Lebanon, on the other hand, stressed the necessity of mutual respect for international borders and the immediate and complete cessation of hostilities. Lebanon reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of territorial integrity and the full sovereignty of the government over the entire country.
