The US Government has announced a new ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon has been brokered, with new pilot zones to be created for the Lebanese Armed Forces to control.
“As a result of the US led negotiations, Israel and Lebanon agreed to the implementation of a ceasefire. The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector,” a joint statement from the US, Lebanon and Israel read.
“The two sides agreed with the guidance of the United States to swiftly advance the creation of pilot zones in which the Lebanese Armed Forces will take exclusive control of the territory to the exclusion of all non-state actors.
“These steps will enable progress towards a comprehensive peace and security agreement.”
The announcement claimed that “all countries” involved had “reaffirmed” that the future relationship between Israel and Lebanon needed to be decided by the two sovereign governments, rejecting attempts by any “state or non-state actor”.
The joint statement also stated that “Israel and Lebanon reaffirmed that they have no hostile intent toward one another and committed to continuing direct negotiations to build confidence, resolve all outstanding issues, and work toward a comprehensive agreement between the two countries”.
The latest ceasefire deal between the two nations comes as Iran confirms it has not cut the US off from further peace talks, however, it has not responded to the US for some days now.
Israel, Lebanon and the US jointly condemned Iran’s attacks in the Middle East, saying a resolution must be sought.
“All parties condemned Iran’s attacks on countries in the region, and ongoing activities that undermine stability throughout the Middle East, whether through support for proxies and all other acts of aggression.
Israel’s increased military activity in Lebanon has outraged Iran, with Tehran confirming last week they would not progress with ceasefire talks, something key to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, until Israel stopped attacking Lebanon.
In the landmark ceasefire agreement announced on Wednesday, the statement claimed that Israel was still focused on the “disarmament of Hezbollah”, however, the country “emphasised he importance of direct negotiations under the leadership of the United States to resolve all outstanding issues and achieve durable peace and security”.
As for Lebanon’s border security, the country called for “mutual respect” from Israel.
“Lebanon reaffirmed the necessity for mutual respect of internationally recognised borders, the urgent need for full implementation of the cessation of hostilities, underscoring the principles of territorial integrity and full state sovereignty,” the statement said.
“Lebanon committed to enhancing the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces, with U.S. support, to assert effective control throughout the country. “
The US Government will continue to work with the two parties in the coming weeks, next meeting in hope of reaching a lasting, comprehensive agreement on June 22.
More to come...
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