US says Israel, Lebanon agree to ceasefire if Hezbollah stops
Published in News & Features
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire if Hezbollah also agrees to stop hostilities, according to a joint statement from both countries and the United States.
The deal is contingent on “a complete cessation” of fire from Iran-backed Hezbollah, the statement said, adding that the group must evacuate all operatives from Lebanese territory south of the Litani River near the border with Israel.
“Israel and Lebanon reaffirmed that they have no hostile intent toward one another and committed to continuing direct negotiations to build confidence, resolve all outstanding issues, and work toward a comprehensive agreement between the two countries,” the statement said.
Trump earlier this week said he spoke with “highly placed representatives” of Hezbollah and they agreed that all shooting will stop between the group and Israel.
Iran has demanded Israel end strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon as part of any agreement with the U.S. to resolve the ongoing regional war, which has effectively shuttered the Strait of Hormuz.
The agreement comes days after a phone call between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which Trump directed expletives at the Israeli leader as he sought to deescalate fighting in Lebanon and keep peace talks with Iran on track.
“I was a little bit perturbed at him constantly fighting with Lebanon,” Trump said in an interview with the Pod Force One podcast, aired Wednesday. “At some point, I said: ‘Bibi, we have to stop this.’”
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