At the end of the round of talks held between the two countries in Washington: The United States State Department announced last night (Thursday) that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire - on the condition that Hezbollah cease fire and withdraw from the entire area south of the Litani River.
The announcement also stated that both sides agreed to promote the creation of "pilot zones," in which the Lebanese army would receive exclusive control over the area, while "excluding any non-state entity.".
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The United States statement further stated: "Israel and Lebanon confirmed that they have no hostile intentions toward each other, and pledged to continue direct negotiations to build trust, resolve all outstanding issues - and work toward a comprehensive agreement between the two countries.".
In addition, it was written that Israel and Lebanon will return to the negotiating table during the week of June 22 - "with the aim of reaching a comprehensive agreement.".
It was also written that the talks between Israel and Lebanon will continue to be mediated by the United States, despite France's attempts to take part in the talks - something Israel opposes.
Israel's ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, told Kan News about the US State Department's announcement: "There is a ceasefire between the two countries and we are hopeful that it will hold. The southern Lebanon region must be free from the influence of Hezbollah and Iran.".
Lebanon's ambassador to the United States, Nada Maoued, said: "This is a historic moment for Lebanon and we thank President Trump, Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Rubio, and the entire working team.".
""An expression of the reality we created""
Defense Minister Yisrael Katz issued a statement this morning, claiming that the agreement is a very significant achievement.
Katz said: The opposition members should apologize and acknowledge the great achievement so far in Lebanon, both on the ground and on the political level, thanks to the leadership of bold and correct decisions by the political echelon headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the strength of the IDF's activity in Lebanon led by the senior command echelon, and the fortitude and heroism of the IDF commanders and soldiers in the regular and reserve ranks who fought and are fighting with determination for the security of the residents of the north, while paying heavy and painful prices, and the ability of the residents of the north, our wonderful brothers, to withstand complex and difficult conditions in order to enable the IDF to carry out its missions.
""The declaration of principles yesterday between Israel and the Lebanese government in Washington - mediated and committed by the US - which includes an unequivocal statement on the goal of disarming Hezbollah throughout Lebanon and condemning Iran's involvement in Lebanon and the region, a ceasefire that is conditional on the early removal of Hezbollah terrorists from the entire area south of the Litani and the creation of a demilitarized zone, with the IDF continuing its fire and activity in the area at this stage, the IDF remaining in the security zone in Lebanon up to the yellow line, including in the Beaufort area and without the return of the population, with continued thwarting of terrorist infrastructure in the area, and freedom of action for Israel with American backing to attack Beirut in response to firing on Israeli settlements and territory - is an expression of the reality we have created in Lebanon so far.".
According to him, this is "a reality that may lead, depending on developments on the ground and our continued uncompromising stand on the interests of the State of Israel, to a political peace agreement with the State of Lebanon and, above all, to achieving real and permanent security for the residents of the north for the first time in 50 years.".
""Everything is, of course, contingent on the determination and ability to navigate the political echelon and the IDF's ability to verify things - we don't trust any other factor.".
""When the opposition members slandered and attacked without understanding the new security reality in the region after October 7, and the new border and community protection policy led by the government and the IDF, when the IDF set up security zones between jihadist forces and the communities and the Israeli border in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza - we did.
""We promised security to the residents of the north. That's what we did and that's what we will do.".
