The fourth meeting between Israeli and Lebanese representatives, convened by the US and which began two days ago, on Monday, ended overnight. At the conclusion of the meeting, Israel and Lebanon agreed to implement a ceasefire, which will be conditional on a complete halt to Hezbollah fire and the removal of all Hezbollah members from south of the Litani River.
The two sides agreed, under US guidance, to move quickly to create pilot zones in which the Lebanese Armed Forces will assume exclusive control of the area, while excluding all non-state actors. These steps will enable progress toward a comprehensive peace and security agreement.
Main points
- Lebanon and Israel agreed to establish "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon under the exclusive control of the Lebanese Armed Forces.
- It was also agreed that the deal would include a security framework, including the dismantling of non-state armed groups and preventing their re-establishment.
- The stated goal is a comprehensive peace and security agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
All countries reaffirmed that the future of relations between Israel and Lebanon must be determined by the two sovereign governments. They rejected any attempt by any state or non-state actor to hold Lebanon's future hostage.
Israel and Lebanon reaffirmed that they have no hostile intent toward one another and pledged to continue direct negotiations in order to build trust, resolve all remaining issues and work toward a comprehensive agreement between the two countries.
The delegations discussed a security framework, based on the discussions held at the Pentagon on May 29, designed to ensure the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Lebanon and Israel on a sustainable basis. This includes dismantling non-state armed groups and preventing their re-emergence.
All parties condemned Iran's attacks on countries in the region and its ongoing destabilizing activity across the Middle East, whether through support for proxies or through all other acts of aggression.
The US reiterated its continued support for both governments in exercising their sovereignty. It reaffirmed that any agreement to end hostilities must be reached directly between the two governments, with US mediation, and not through any separate channel.
Peace and security
Israel also reaffirmed that its security and respect for its territorial integrity can be achieved only through the demilitarization of Hezbollah and the dismantling of its infrastructure throughout Lebanon. It stressed the importance of direct negotiations, led by the US, to resolve all remaining issues and achieve sustainable peace and security.
Lebanon reaffirmed the need for mutual respect for internationally recognized borders and the urgent need for full implementation of a cessation of hostilities, while emphasizing the principles of territorial integrity and full state sovereignty. Lebanon pledged to improve the ability of the Lebanese Armed Forces, with US support, to impose effective control throughout the country.
The two sides agreed to reconvene the political and security channels during the week of June 22, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive agreement. The US agreed to continue facilitating communication between the sides in the meantime.
