The State Department announced Wednesday that US-led negotiations between Israel and Lebanon have yielded a cease-fire agreement.
“The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hizbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hizbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector,” read a joint statement from the US, Lebanon and Israel.
“The two sides agreed with the guidance of the United States to swiftly advance the creation of 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 continued.
“These steps will enable progress towards a comprehensive peace and security agreement.”
The breakthrough comes after two days of talks in Washington between Israel and Lebanon.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted that a deal was coming in testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee earlier Wednesday.
“As I speak to you now … leaders of the legitimate government of Lebanon and leaders from the government of Israel are seated at the State Department for the second day in a row,” Rubio said.
“And hopefully today will produce a joint statement and an action plan on a track for security in that country, independent from Hezbollah, independent from nefarious influence,” he added.
