War in the Middle East: Israel and Lebanon agree to a ceasefire on the condition of "complete stop" Hezbollah fire

Israel and Lebanon announced, on the night of Wednesday June 3 to Thursday June 4, a ceasefire agreement. This is, however, conditional on a “complete cessation” of Hezbollah fire.

Towards the end of the conflict in Lebanon? Israel and Lebanon announced, on the night of Wednesday June 3 to Thursday June 4, that they had agreed on “the implementation of a ceasefire” and the creation of “pilot zones”, report several media outlets, including Le Monde. A ceasefire is already in force between Israel and Lebanon. Hezbollah since April 17, but is widely flouted.

The announcement follows two days of talks in Washington, United States. “At the end of the negotiations carried out under the aegis of the United States, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to the implementation of a ceasefire,” it is written in the declaration signed by the three parties.

The implementation of the ceasefire is, however, subject to an important condition, that of “the complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah members from the South-Litani sector”, it is indicated in the declaration, while the pro-Iran organization rejects the discussions.

New discussions

The novelty of the agreement lies in the creation of “pilot zones”, under the control of the Lebanese army and where Hezbollah militants would be prohibited. “The two parties agreed to rapidly advance the establishment of pilot zones in which the Lebanese Armed Forces will exercise exclusive control over the territory, to the exclusion of all non-state actors,” is detailed in the declaration.

The agreement is presented as a first step between the two countries. Israel and Lebanon have already announced, overnight, new talks with a view to a “comprehensive agreement”. Discussions are scheduled to take place the week of June 22.