Israel–Lebanon ceasefire deal hinges on Hezbollah silence

Israel and Lebanon have reached an agreement to implement a ceasefire, according to a statement from the United States State Department. The deal,

Israel and Lebanon have reached an agreement to implement a ceasefire, according to a statement from the United States State Department. The deal, however, is conditional on a complete halt to attacks by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

The announcement comes after renewed violence along the Israel-Lebanon border, where Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least nine people in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah launched rocket attacks into northern Israel.

Under the proposed arrangement, all parties have reaffirmed that Lebanon’s future must be determined by its sovereign government, rejecting any external influence by state or non-state actors. The agreement also calls for the removal of Hezbollah operatives from areas in southern Lebanon extending from the Litani River to the Israeli border.

The United States said it would assist in establishing pilot zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces would take full control, excluding all non-state armed groups. This move is aimed at strengthening state authority in sensitive border regions.

The deal follows a limited ceasefire announced earlier, which had briefly reduced hostilities but quickly broke down amid continued cross-border attacks. Both sides are scheduled to hold further talks on June 22 to work toward a more comprehensive settlement.

Israeli officials have warned of intensified strikes if Hezbollah continues its operations, while Lebanon has accused Israel of targeting civilians and medical personnel in southern areas. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has not yet officially commented on the latest ceasefire announcement.

The situation remains fragile as sporadic strikes and rocket fire continue, raising concerns over whether the truce framework can hold in the coming days.