Beirut, June 4 (SANA) The Lebanese government announced Thursday that it had reached a ceasefire agreement with Israel following talks between representatives of both sides held on June 2 and 3 under U.S. sponsorship.
According to a joint statement carried by Lebanon’s National News Agency, the agreement is based on a complete cessation of fire by Hezbollah and the withdrawal of all Hezbollah members from areas south of the Litani River.
The statement said that the two sides, acting with U.S. support, agreed to accelerate the establishment of pilot zones in which the Lebanese Armed Forces would exercise exclusive control, while excluding all armed groups operating outside state authority.
The framework discussed by the parties builds on talks held at the U.S. Department of Defense on May 29 and is aimed at ensuring the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of both Lebanon and Israel on a sustainable basis. The framework also includes measures to dismantle non-state armed groups and prevent their re-emergence.
According to the statement, these steps are intended to pave the way toward a comprehensive agreement on peace and security. It stressed that the future relationship between the two sides should be determined solely by the sovereign governments of Lebanon and Israel.
The statement also rejected any attempt by external states or non-state actors to influence Lebanon’s future or impose guardianship over the country.
Lebanon and Israel stated that they hold no hostile intentions toward one another and committed to continuing direct negotiations aimed at building confidence, addressing unresolved issues and working toward a comprehensive agreement.
The statement further condemned attacks launched by Iran against countries in the region and criticized activities viewed as undermining stability in the Middle East through support for proxy groups and other actions.
The United States reaffirmed its support for both governments in exercising their sovereignty, stressing that any agreement to halt hostilities should be reached directly between Lebanon and Israel under U.S. sponsorship rather than through separate channels.
Washington also pledged to continue supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces to strengthen their capabilities and enable them to extend effective state authority across Lebanese territory.
For its part, Lebanon emphasized the importance of mutual respect for internationally recognized borders and the urgent need to fully implement the cessation of hostilities agreement. It also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Lebanese army, with U.S. support, to ensure effective control over all Lebanese territory.
The statement concluded by confirming that both sides agreed to resume political and security talks during the week beginning June 22. The United States will continue facilitating communication between the parties during the transitional period.
Earlier this week, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said that “negotiations are the least costly option for Lebanon and the Lebanese,” adding that “the path of negotiation is the shortest route to ending the Israeli occupation.”
R.A/R.K
