Israel and Lebanon agree U.S.-backed ceasefire if Hezbollah holds fire

Wednesday, June 3, 2026Confirmed

World Desk

What we know

Israel and Lebanon on Wednesday agreed to renew a U.S.-brokered ceasefire after a fourth round of Washington talks, the State Department said in a joint statement with both governments. The deal is contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah attacks and evacuation of its operatives from the South Litani sector, plus creation of "pilot" security zones under exclusive Lebanese Armed Forces control excluding non-state actors.

The sides will meet again about June 22 toward a comprehensive pact. Wednesday still saw Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and a Hezbollah rocket salvo into northern Israel after the announcement window; Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Tehran was ready to resume wider war if Israeli aggression against Beirut continued. Iran has linked any U.S.-Iran deal track to calm in Lebanon.

What's confirmed

BBC/CBS: U.S., Israel and Lebanon joint statement announced conditional ceasefire after Wednesday Washington talks (BBC/CBS).
BBC/Reuters: Terms require Hezbollah fire halt and Litani-sector evacuation plus LAF "pilot zones"; next round ~June 22 (BBC/Reuters).
BBC: Wednesday strikes in south Lebanon reported alongside Hezbollah rocket claim into northern Israel after the deal window (BBC).
Context: Partial Monday Beirut-for-quiet arrangement frayed; >3,500 killed in Lebanon since March offensive (BBC/CBS).

What's still developing

Whether Hezbollah formally accepts or rejects the Washington terms.
Maps and timelines for pilot zones and LAF exclusive control.
How the Lebanon track affects stalled U.S.-Iran Hormuz/nuclear talks.

Sources

BBC News — Israel and Lebanon agree to implement ceasefire if Hezbollah stops attacks link
CBS News — Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks link
Reuters — Israel, Lebanon agree to implement ceasefire, boosting hopes for Iran deal link
Al Jazeera — Israel, Lebanon agree to conditional ceasefire link