Online Desk 

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a conditional ceasefire brokered by the United States in an effort to ease longstanding border tensions. According to a joint statement issued after a round of talks in Washington, both sides have reached a preliminary understanding on the framework of the agreement.

Under the terms of the deal, the ceasefire will take effect only if the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah ceases all forms of attacks. The agreement also calls for the withdrawal of Hezbollah’s armed presence from southern Lebanon.

As part of the arrangement, several border areas will be designated as pilot security zones. These zones will be free of non-state armed groups, while security responsibilities will be handled exclusively by the Lebanese government’s security forces.

Despite the ceasefire understanding, hostilities have not completely stopped on the ground. On the same day the agreement was announced, both sides reported renewed exchanges of fire along the border. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Israeli troops, while reports indicated that Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in several casualties.

The negotiations mark one of the most significant diplomatic efforts between the parties since the latest round of fighting erupted in March. Both sides have stated that another round of talks will be held after June 22 with the aim of reaching a more comprehensive and lasting settlement.

According to analysts, the agreement represents an important step toward reducing tensions in the Middle East. However, they caution that achieving lasting peace will remain difficult unless the issues surrounding Hezbollah’s activities and broader border security concerns are fully resolved.