WASHINGTON — Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire deal following U.S.-mediated negotiations, the U.S. State Department said on Wednesday.
The agreement aims to halt hostilities between Israel and the Iran-aligned Hezbollah group in Lebanon, officials from the three parties announced after talks in Washington. It requires a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the withdrawal of its operatives from areas south of the Litani River, according to a joint statement.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the development as a step toward greater security in the region. Lebanese officials said the deal includes provisions for the Lebanese army to take control of certain pilot zones in southern Lebanon. Israeli officials confirmed participation in the talks but emphasized that military operations would continue until threats from Hezbollah were fully addressed.
The announcement comes amid a fragile series of temporary truces in the conflict that began in March 2026. Previous extensions, including a 45-day prolongation in May, had been strained by continued exchanges of fire along the border.
"Lebanon and Israel have committed to the implementation of the ceasefire to enable further progress toward a comprehensive agreement," the joint U.S.-Lebanon-Israel statement said.
Fighting has continued in southern Lebanon despite earlier partial ceasefire announcements, with both sides reporting incidents in recent days. Lebanese health authorities have attributed thousands of deaths in the country since the escalation, while Israel has reported civilian and military casualties from Hezbollah attacks.
The U.S. has been actively mediating between the parties, with President Donald Trump previously announcing elements of the framework. Hezbollah has not issued a direct public comment on the latest agreement, according to available reports.
As of early Thursday, no immediate violations were reported following the announcement, though officials from all sides cautioned that full implementation would require verification on the ground. Negotiations are expected to continue in the coming days to build on the latest understanding.
