Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire. This follows a joint statement with the United States, released by the US Department of State on 3/6 after Washington negotiations. The agreement requires Hezbollah to completely cease attacks and withdraw fighters from the area south of the Litani river.

The two countries also agreed to establish "pilot zones." In these zones, Lebanese armed forces will exclusively control territory, excluding non-state actors.

The statement added that both sides agreed to reconvene for talks on political and security issues in about three weeks, aiming for a comprehensive agreement.

US, Israeli, and Lebanese officials at the White House on 3/6. Photo: AFP

"The nations reaffirmed that their two sovereign governments must decide the future of the Israel-Lebanon relationship," the statement read.

Both countries agreed to oppose any attempts by any nation or non-state organization to "hold Lebanon hostage" in the future. This appeared to allude to Iran and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.

Location of Israel and Lebanon. Graphic: RANE

The negotiations occurred days after US President Donald Trump announced that the two countries had committed to de-escalate tensions. However, Israel and Hezbollah subsequently continued conflict.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for missile attacks in northern Israel on 3/6. Meanwhile, Lebanon reported that Israeli attacks in the south killed at least 9 people, including two medical personnel.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Reuters)