The U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday that negotiations led by the U.S. have successfully brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
This agreement requires Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran and was not directly involved in the talks, to stop its attacks on Israel and to pull back from southern Lebanon.
“The ceasefire hinges on a complete halt to Hezbollah’s artillery fire and the removal of all its operatives from the southern Litani region,” stated a joint declaration from the U.S., Lebanon, and Israel.
According to the statement, “Both nations have concurred with U.S. recommendations to fast-track the establishment of a test zone under the exclusive control of the Lebanese Army, free from all non-state actors.”
“These measures will help pave the way toward a thorough peace and security agreement.”
This breakthrough followed two days of discussions held in Washington between Israeli and Lebanese officials.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted at a potential deal during his testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee earlier that day. “As I’m saying this, the leaders of the legitimate Lebanese government and the Israeli leaders are at the State Department for their second day of talks,” he remarked.
Rubio also expressed optimism that a joint statement and action plan could be finalized, distancing it from Hezbollah’s influence, and aiming for the country’s security.
The two nations are set to reconvene the week of June 22 to further their discussions, with the hope of finalizing a comprehensive peace treaty. The U.S. will mediate these ongoing negotiations.
This ceasefire announcement came just two days after reports surfaced that President Trump expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the situation in Lebanon. During a tense phone call, Trump reportedly questioned Netanyahu’s actions, saying, “What are you doing? You’re crazy,” an admission he made on “Pod Force One.”
Trump commented, “I was a little upset that he was constantly fighting Lebanon.”
Current tensions between Israel and Lebanon are complicating peace efforts involving the U.S. and Iran, particularly as Tehran insists that Israeli operations against Hezbollah must cease before moving forward to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran’s nuclear program.
Israel’s military escalated its operations in Lebanon back in March after Hezbollah retaliated with rockets in response to an Israeli operation targeting Iran.
