Israel, Lebanon renew ceasefire after US-brokered talks

Israel and Lebanon agreed on Wednesday to renew a shaky ceasefire and create a “pilot” security zone in southern Lebanon.

While a ceasefire was agreed upon in early April, Israel and Hezbollah have continued exchanging fire.

Lebanon says more than 3,300 people have been killed and more than 10,000 wounded since fighting between Israel and Iran-backed militants resumed in March.

Under the terms of the agreement, which was brokered by the United States, Hezbollah would withdraw from security zones in southern Lebanon.

one in joint statementIsrael and Lebanon said the ceasefire depended on “a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operations” from south of the Litani River.

It was unclear how the security zones, which would be controlled by the Lebanese Army, would be established.

“These steps will enable progress toward a comprehensive peace and security agreement,” the statement said.

Iran, which supports Hezbollah, has insisted that any peace deal with the US and Israel to end the war include a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon. Hezbollah has not been included in the talks between Israel and Lebanon.

“All countries reaffirmed that the future of relations between Israel and Lebanon must be decided by two sovereign governments. They rejected any attempt by any state or non-state actor to hold Lebanon’s future hostage,” the statement said, referring to Iran.

“Israel and Lebanon reaffirm that they have no hostile intentions toward each other and are committed to continuing direct negotiations to build trust, resolve all outstanding issues, and work toward a comprehensive agreement between the two countries,” the statement said.

The joint statement said Israel and Lebanon would meet again for more talks on June 22.