Published: 4 June 2026
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to renew a fragile ceasefire arrangement aimed at reducing escalating violence along the border, according to a joint statement announced by the United States on Wednesday.
The agreement, reached after a fourth round of US-mediated negotiations in Washington, is conditional upon a “complete cessation” of attacks by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from the area between the Israeli border and Lebanon’s Litani River.
Under the proposed framework, several “pilot” security zones will be established inside southern Lebanon where the Lebanese Armed Forces would exercise exclusive authority and all non-state armed groups would be barred from operating.
The agreement did not provide maps or operational details regarding the planned security zones. Representatives from Israel and Lebanon are expected to meet again on 22 June for further negotiations toward a broader settlement.
The announcement came after renewed violence across southern Lebanon and northern Israel. Lebanese authorities reported that Israeli air strikes killed at least nine people on Wednesday, while Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israeli territory in response to what it described as Israeli ceasefire violations.
Israeli strikes reportedly continued into Thursday, including attacks near Tyre, Nabatieh and areas south of Beirut. Lebanon’s health ministry accused Israel of targeting ambulances and medical personnel, claiming at least 128 healthcare workers and paramedics have been killed during the conflict over the past three months.
The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the allegations but has previously accused Hezbollah and allied groups of using civilian infrastructure, including ambulances, for military purposes.
Lebanon’s army also reported casualties among its soldiers after Israeli drone strikes targeted military personnel and vehicles in southern regions.
Hezbollah has yet to formally endorse the latest agreement. Mahmoud Qamati, a member of Hezbollah’s political council, told the BBC that the group does not recognise the negotiations or their outcomes, insisting the discussions “do not concern us”.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticised the agreement, calling it a “serious mistake” that could allow Hezbollah to regroup militarily.
The latest developments follow months of conflict that began after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in March following an Israeli strike linked to Iran’s leadership. Since then, Israel has carried out extensive air and ground operations across Lebanon.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, more than 3,500 people have been killed in Lebanon since the conflict intensified, while the United Nations says over one million people have been displaced.
Israel says 26 soldiers and four civilians have died during the conflict.
US President Donald Trump reportedly played a direct role in securing the latest ceasefire efforts amid growing international concern that continued fighting in Lebanon could derail broader diplomatic efforts involving Iran and the wider region.



























































































