The US, Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire. Hezbollah has not yet responded

According to the document, the ceasefire will depend on a complete ceasefire on the part of Hezbollah and the withdrawal of all the organization’s militants from the sector south of Litani. Israel and Lebanon also agreed, with US coordination, to accelerate the creation of “pilot zones” in which the Lebanese army would have exclusive control over the territory without the presence of non-state armed actors.

The statement emphasizes that these steps should allow progress towards a comprehensive agreement on peace and security. Israel and Lebanon reaffirmed that they have no hostile intentions towards each other and pledged to continue direct negotiations to build trust, resolve all outstanding issues and prepare a comprehensive agreement between the countries.

The delegations also discussed the security framework based on the talks held at the Pentagon on May 29. This is about ensuring the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Israel and Lebanon, including dismantling non-state armed groups and preventing their re-establishment.

All sides condemned Iranian attacks on countries in the region and actions that undermine stability in the Middle East, including support for proxy groups. The US has said that any agreement to end the fighting must be reached directly between the Israeli and Lebanese governments, brokered by Washington, and not through separate channels.

Washington confirmed its intention to support the Lebanese army to strengthen its ability to exercise effective control throughout Lebanon.

Israel has said its security and respect for territorial integrity can only be ensured by disarming Hezbollah and dismantling its infrastructure throughout Lebanon.

Lebanon, for its part, emphasized the need for mutual respect for internationally recognized borders, a complete cessation of hostilities and respect for state sovereignty.

The parties agreed to resume the political and military tracks of negotiations in the week beginning June 22, with the aim of moving towards a comprehensive agreement. The United States will continue to facilitate contacts between the parties during the transition period.

The Lebanese army did not take part in the conflict with Israel; the fighting was carried out by the terrorist organization Hezbollah, which is not a party to the truce agreements.

There has been no official reaction from Hezbollah to the joint statement of the United States, Israel and Lebanon. Previously, the Lebanese side claimed that the group agreed to the American proposal for a mutual cessation of attacks with Israel, but in the document published by the State Department, the conditions were formulated more broadly: Hezbollah must cease fire and withdraw its fighters from the area south of Litani. It is unclear whether Hezbollah will agree to these terms.