Lebanon and Israel have agreed to the implementation of a ceasefire, according to a joint statement with the United States released by the State Department on Wednesday following negotiations in Washington.

The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of fire from the Iran-aligned Hezbollah militia and the evacuation of all its operatives from the South Litani Sector, according to the statement. The two sides had agreed last month to a ceasefire but hostilities had continued.

The two sides, which do not have formal diplomatic relations, also agreed to create "pilot zones" in which the Lebanese armed forces "will take exclusive control of the territory to the exclusion of all non-state actors."

The statement added that the two sides agreed to reconvene for more talks on "political and security tracks the week of June 22, with a view toward reaching a comprehensive agreement."

Israel invaded Lebanon in March in pursuit of Hezbollah which fired across the border in support of Tehran.

Iran has said it will not agree to a deal to end the conflict with the United States and Israel launched in late February unless a ceasefire also covers Lebanon.

Lebanon and Israel agreed to further direct negotiations to build confidence and resolve other outstanding issues, the statement said on Wednesday. (Agencies)



Edited by Cecil Wong