Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend a fragile ceasefire, with Hezbollah members prohibited from certain security zones and a commitment to halt militant missile attacks.
The agreement hinges on a complete cessation of hostilities by Hezbollah in Lebanon, enforced by the threat of Israeli reprisals on Beirut. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that without compliance, attacks on Hezbollah would persist, potentially targeting the group in south Beirut.
Israel affirmed its commitment to ensuring security for northern residents, emphasizing the disarmament of Hezbollah, withdrawal of Hezbollah militants from south of the Litani River, ongoing IDF presence in the security area, and freedom of action for Israel.
However, far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the deal as a “serious mistake,” expressing concerns that it could bolster Hezbollah’s strength. The agreement, brokered and announced by the US State Department, aims to ease tensions in Lebanon amid Tehran’s demands for a resolution to the Iran conflict.
Tehran has insisted that any peace settlement involving the US and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz must include Lebanon. Recent clashes saw Israeli strikes claiming lives in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah rockets targeted northern Israel.
Reports indicate ongoing Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, with one strike reportedly causing casualties. The pact between Israel and Lebanon requires the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from the area along the Israeli border to the Litani River, establishing a buffer zone to prevent missile attacks.
The US has pledged support in creating areas where the Lebanese Armed Forces will assume military control, excluding Hezbollah. The agreement acknowledges the superior military capabilities of Hezbollah compared to Lebanon’s army, designating Hezbollah as a terrorist organization by Israel, the US, and the UK.
Following the recent escalation, negotiators from Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to reconvene on June 22 for further discussions. The conflict, which Lebanon entered on March 2 between the US, Israel, and Iran, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement in the region.
The ceasefire deal comes as part of efforts to stabilize the situation and prevent further violence between the involved parties.
