Israel reiterated that lasting security could only be achieved through the disarmament of Hezbollah and the dismantling of its military infrastructure across Lebanon.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire following two days of high-level trilateral talks hosted by Washington, marking the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the latest round of hostilities erupted along the border.

As per a joint statement by the US, Lebanon and Israel, the ceasefire is contingent on a complete halt to Hezbollah attacks and the withdrawal of all Hezbollah operatives from the area south of the Litani River.

As part of the agreement, Israel and Lebanon agreed to swiftly establish pilot security zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) will exercise exclusive control, with all non-state armed groups excluded from operating in the area.

The move would pave the way for broader negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace and security agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

But Israel and Hezbollah have continued to trade fire, with Hezbollah claiming missile attacks on northern Israel on Wednesday and Lebanon saying Israeli strikes in the south killed at least nine people, including two paramedics.

However, there was no immediate reaction from Hezbollah on the ceasefire.

The talks also focused on a new security framework designed to safeguard the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of both countries. The framework includes measures aimed at dismantling non-state armed groups and preventing their re-emergence, read the statement.

The United States reiterated its support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and pledged continued assistance to strengthen Beirut’s ability to assert authority across its territory.

The statement included a strong condemnation of Iran, with all parties criticising Tehran’s attacks in the region and its support for proxy groups that they said undermine Middle East stability.

Israel Says Its Security Can Be Achieved Only Through Hezbollah Disarmament

Israel reiterated that its security and respect for its territorial integrity can only be achieved through the disarmament of Hezbollah and the dismantling of its military infrastructure across Lebanon.

Lebanon, meanwhile, stressed the importance of respecting internationally recognised borders, implementing the ceasefire in full, and upholding state sovereignty.

The two sides agreed to reconvene political and security negotiations during the week of June 22, with the United States continuing to facilitate communication in the meantime.

The agreement comes amid renewed concerns that escalating clashes between Israel and Hezbollah could drag Lebanon deeper into the wider regional conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

Will This Ceasefire Hold?

President Trump on Monday spoke with he shooting.

“I had a very productive call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel, and there will be no Troops going to Beirut, and any Troops that are on their way, have already been turned back. Likewise, through highly placed Representatives, I had a very good call with Hezbollah, and they agreed that all shooting will stop — That Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel," Trump said in a post on X.

However, Trump’s announcement had no effect on the ground reality as Hezbollah and Israel continued to attack each other’s territories.

Litani River

The Litani River is the longest river in Lebanon, flowing approximately 140 kilometers from the fertile Beqaa Valley to the Mediterranean Sea near Tyre. Historically, it has been vital for agriculture and irrigation, and its waters have been a source of political and military tension, particularly during the Lebanese Civil War and in conflicts with Israel. The river also holds significance in ancient history, as it was known to the Greeks as the Leontes and features in biblical references.

Lebanon

Lebanon is a country in the Middle East with a rich and ancient history, once home to the Phoenician civilization and later part of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. Its capital, Beirut, is known for its vibrant culture and resilience, having been a major cultural and economic hub despite periods of conflict, including a devastating civil war from 1975 to 1990. Today, Lebanon is famed for its diverse heritage, archaeological sites like Baalbek, and its unique blend of Mediterranean and Arab influences.

Israel

Israel is a country in the Middle East with a rich and complex history, serving as the birthplace of Judaism and Christianity and holding deep significance for Islam. Modern Israel was established in 1948 as a homeland for the Jewish people, following millennia of Jewish diaspora and the aftermath of the Holocaust. The region has been a crossroads of civilizations, contested by various empires and peoples, and remains a focal point of geopolitical and cultural importance today.

Beirut

Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history stretching back over 5,000 years. It was a major center of the Phoenician, Roman, and Ottoman empires, and its cultural richness earned it the nickname “Paris of the Middle East” before the devastating Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990). Today, Beirut is known for its resilient spirit, blending ancient ruins like the Roman Baths with modern architecture and a vibrant cultural scene.

Iran

Iran, historically known as Persia, is a country in Western Asia with a rich cultural heritage dating back thousands of years. It was the center of the ancient Persian Empire, known for its monumental achievements in art, architecture, and governance under rulers like Cyrus the Great. Today, Iran is renowned for its stunning Islamic architecture, poetic traditions, and significant archaeological sites such as Persepolis.

Washington

Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, was established in 1790 as a purpose-built federal district following the Residence Act, with its design largely credited to French engineer Pierre L’Enfant. It is home to iconic landmarks such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Washington Monument, which reflect the nation’s political and historical legacy. The city also houses the Smithsonian Institution museums and the National Mall, making it a global center for culture and governance.

United States

The United States is a federal republic in North America, founded in 1776 with the Declaration of Independence from Britain. Its history includes rapid westward expansion, the Civil War over slavery, and emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century. Today, it is known for its cultural diversity, influential economy, and landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon.

Middle East

The Middle East is a historically and culturally rich region spanning from Egypt to Iran, often considered the cradle of civilization, where early writing, agriculture, and cities emerged in Mesopotamia and along the Nile. It is the birthplace of three major world religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—and has been a crossroads for trade, conquest, and cultural exchange for millennia. Today, the region is known for its diverse societies, vast oil reserves, and ongoing geopolitical complexities.