U.S. State Department Releases Joint Statement on Ceasefire Between Israel and Lebanon
illustrative photo: Getty Images
illustrative photo: Getty Images
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to "implement a ceasefire," although this is contingent upon the "complete cessation" of fire from Hezbollah and the withdrawal of all militants from southern Lebanon.
Source: CNN, joint statement released by the U.S. State Department following the latest round of negotiations mediated by the United States.
Details: The agreement was reached after the Israeli government threatened to escalate its actions in Lebanon—a move that risks derailing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. The current ceasefire has been repeatedly violated as Israel and Hezbollah continued to exchange strikes.
Negotiations on Wednesday lasted nearly nine hours and followed all-day talks on Tuesday at the U.S. State Department.
Israel and Lebanon "agreed to resume political and security talks in the week beginning June 22, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive agreement," the joint statement said, also noting that the U.S. "agreed to continue facilitating communication between the parties at this time."
The joint statement also indicated that both sides agreed to "quickly advance the establishment of pilot zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces will take exclusive control of the territory, excluding all non-state actors," but no timelines were set for these pilot zones.
According to the statement, "Israel confirmed that its security and respect for its territorial integrity can only be ensured through the disarmament of Hezbollah and the elimination of its infrastructure throughout Lebanon."
Verbatim from the statement: "Lebanon confirmed the necessity of mutual adherence to internationally recognized borders, the urgent need for a complete cessation of hostilities, emphasizing the principles of territorial integrity and full state sovereignty."
"Lebanon has committed to enhancing the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces with U.S. support to ensure effective control over the entire territory of the country."
Details: The U.S. "emphasized its intention to support the Lebanese Armed Forces to enhance their capabilities and ensure effective exercise of sovereignty across all of Lebanon," the released statement reported.
Verbatim from the statement: "All parties condemned Iran's attacks on countries in the region and current actions undermining stability in the Middle East, whether through support of its allies or any other acts of aggression."
What preceded: On May 16, negotiations took place in Washington under the auspices of the U.S. State Department, resulting in an extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which was set to expire on Sunday.
Three days ago, Israeli officials sought Washington's approval for an expansion of the Israel Defense Forces' actions in Lebanon's capital, Beirut.
The Axios portal, citing sources, reported that after the Israel Defense Forces' strikes on Lebanon, U.S. President Donald Trump scolded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call.
It was also reported that Iran allegedly suspended negotiations with the U.S. regarding a potential peace agreement, demanding a cessation of Israeli hostilities against Lebanon and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.