Israel and Lebanon agree to renewed ceasefire contingent on Hezbollah withdrawal
Diplomats from Israel and Lebanon have reached a framework for a renewed ceasefire, requiring the complete cessation of fire by Hezbollah and the evacuation of its operatives from southern Lebanon.
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to renew a ceasefire framework, contingent upon a complete cessation of fire by Hezbollah and the evacuation of the group’s operatives from southern Lebanon. The agreement was announced in a joint statement following US-led talks in Washington, DC, marking the fourth round of direct negotiations between the two sides since fighting resumed on 2 March 2026.
Under the terms of the deal, both nations agreed to establish pilot zones in southern Lebanon where the Lebanese armed forces would assume exclusive control of the territory, excluding all non-state actors. The two sides, which do not maintain formal diplomatic relations, are scheduled to meet again in late June, specifically the week commencing 22 June, to pursue a comprehensive agreement.
The diplomatic progress occurred against a backdrop of continued hostilities. Earlier in the day, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least ten people, including health workers and soldiers. Hezbollah stated it had targeted Israeli troops in response to what it described as Israeli violations of the ceasefire, launching rocket barrages and drone attacks against positions near the Chqif Castle and in Al-Qantara.
Casualty reports highlight the severity of the ongoing conflict. The Lebanese health ministry reported that Israeli strikes killed four Syrians and two Palestinians near Tyre, as well as three paramedics from Hezbollah-affiliated groups. Additionally, a Lebanese soldier was killed and two others wounded in attacks on military personnel and vehicles, which the Lebanese army denounced as deliberate targeting.
Tensions remain high regarding the broader regional context. US President Donald Trump stated he wished to separate discussions on Lebanon from those concerning the war with Iran. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that an attack on Beirut would trigger a full-scale resumption of war. Meanwhile, Hezbollah official Mahmud Qomati reiterated that the group would not accept a partial ceasefire, underscoring the fragility of the current arrangement.
