Washington: Israel and Lebanon have agreed to restart a fragile ceasefire arrangement and introduce several “pilot” security zones inside Lebanese territory, from which Hezbollah fighters would be excluded.

The development was announced in a joint statement issued alongside the United States after peace talks were held in Washington. Hezbollah was not part of the negotiations.

Security zones linked to Hezbollah conditions

According to the statement, the ceasefire would depend on a complete halt to Hezbollah fire and the withdrawal of all Hezbollah operatives from areas south of the Litani River.

The statement said, “Hezbollah is not just an enemy of Israel and an enemy of America, but that it is an enemy of Lebanon.”

It also said the proposed security zones would be established in a way that is not yet clearly defined. However, it confirmed that the Lebanese army would assume full control of those areas.

The statement added, “These steps will enable progress towards a comprehensive peace and security agreement.”

Ceasefire previously announced but fighting continued

The two sides had agreed to a ceasefire last month, but hostilities did not fully stop and continued on the ground.

The joint statement also said all parties reaffirmed that the future of Israel-Lebanon relations must be determined by the two sovereign governments.

It further said they “rejected any attempt, by any state or non-state actor, to hold Lebanon's future hostage.”

The remark was widely seen as a reference to Iran, which supports Hezbollah and has said Israeli attacks on Lebanon should stop as part of broader negotiations involving the United States to end the conflict with Iran.

Competing demands from Israel and Lebanon

During the latest round of talks, both countries presented separate conditions for achieving lasting peace.

Israel said it would only consider its security guaranteed through the disarmament of Hezbollah and the dismantling of its infrastructure across Lebanon.

It also said additional US-mediated negotiations would be necessary to “resolve all outstanding issues and achieve durable peace and security.”

Lebanon called for mutual respect of internationally recognised borders and an immediate end to all hostilities.

It also said, “Lebanon committed to enhancing the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces, with U.S. support, to assert effective control throughout the country.”

United States outlines mediation role

The United States said in the joint statement that any agreement to stop hostilities must be reached directly between the two governments.

It added that the process should be brokered by the United States and not conducted through separate channels.

The statement also said the US military intends to support the Lebanese Armed Forces and strengthen their capabilities.

Fresh talks planned

A new round of discussions is scheduled for the week of June 22, with the aim of working toward what the statement described as a “comprehensive agreement.”

With agency inputs