Israel, Lebanon agree on ceasefire plan tied to Hezbollah withdrawal

The United States, Lebanon and Israel have agreed on a series of measures aimed at enforcing the ceasefire in southern Lebanon, including the creation of areas under the exclusive control of the Lebanese army and the removal of Hezbollah forces from south of the Litani River. In a joint statement issued after two days of high-level trilateral talks, the parties said they would accelerate efforts to implement the ceasefire and advance negotiations toward a broader peace and security arrangement. The agreement calls for the withdrawal of Hezbollah fighters and weapons from areas south of the Litani River, while “pilot security zones” will be established under the full administrative and security authority of the Lebanese armed forces. No non-state armed groups will be permitted to operate in those areas. The three sides said the initiative, mediated by Washington, is intended to strengthen Lebanese sovereignty, reduce tensions along the border and create conditions for a more comprehensive settlement between Lebanon and Israel. Officials also agreed to continue direct discussions aimed at confidence-building and resolving outstanding disputes. The statement said the future relationship between Lebanon and Israel should be determined exclusively by the governments of the two countries. The talks come after months of escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which intensified following the regional confrontation involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Hezbollah entered the conflict in support of Tehran, leading to expanded Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon. In recent weeks, Washington has increased diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider regional war and stabilize the fragile ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border. U.S. officials have argued that strengthening the Lebanese army is essential to limiting the influence of armed groups outside state control. The statement also criticized what it described as Iran’s destabilizing activities in the Middle East and condemned support for proxy forces operating across the region. The three parties said any long-term arrangement must be negotiated directly between the governments of Lebanon and Israel with U.S. mediation. The post Israel, Lebanon agree on ceasefire plan tied to Hezbollah withdrawal appeared first on Khaama Press.