Israel and Lebanon have agreed to work towards a ceasefire following US-led talks in Washington on Wednesday (June 04). The agreement depends on a “complete cessation” of hostilities by Iran-backed Hezbollah, according to a joint statement issued by the United States, Israel and Lebanon.&nbsp;“As a result of the US-led negotiations, Israel and Lebanon agreed to the implementation of a ceasefire. The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hizbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hizbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector,” the statement said.&nbsp;Although the two countries do not share formal diplomatic relations, they also agreed to establish “pilot zones” where the Lebanese armed forces would assume exclusive control, removing all non-state actors from those areas.&nbsp;Both sides will return for further discussions on political and security issues during the week of June 22, with the aim of reaching a broader and comprehensive agreement.&nbsp;“All countries reaffirmed that the future of the relationship between Israel and Lebanon must be decided by the two sovereign governments,” the statement said.&nbsp;It further noted that “they rejected any attempt, by any state or non-state actor, to hold Lebanon's future hostage,” in what appeared to be a reference to Iran and its ally Hezbollah.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-deal-possible-over-the-weekend-trump-says-talks-are-going-very-well-1780521793162">US-Iran deal possible 'over the weekend': Trump says talks are going 'very well'</a>&nbsp;The development came as fighting continued on the ground, with Hezbollah claiming missile attacks on northern Israel on Wednesday and Lebanese authorities reporting that Israeli strikes in the south killed at least nine people, including two paramedics.&nbsp;The diplomatic breakthrough comes just days after Iran threatened to walk away from secret peace talks with the United States unless Israel stopped its military operations in Lebanon.&nbsp;Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any strike on Beirut could trigger a “full-scale resumption” of the wider Middle East conflict as Israel continued its military campaign against Hezbollah.&nbsp;“The fate of the war between Iran and the Zionists (Israel) and Americans is inseparable from the fate of the battle in Lebanon, and these two fronts have been intertwined since day one,” Araghchi was quoted as saying in an interview with Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen TV.&nbsp;He added, “Any attack on Beirut will have grave consequences and will lead to a full-scale resumption of the war,” warning that Iran’s “armed forces are ready to strike Israel if it attacks Beirut.”

The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector, with both sides set to return for further discussions on political and security issues during the week of June 22.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to work towards a ceasefire following US-led talks in Washington on Wednesday (June 04). The agreement depends on a “complete cessation” of hostilities by Iran-backed Hezbollah, according to a joint statement issued by the United States, Israel and Lebanon. “As a result of the US-led negotiations, Israel and Lebanon agreed to the implementation of a ceasefire. The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hizbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hizbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector,” the statement said. Although the two countries do not share formal diplomatic relations, they also agreed to establish “pilot zones” where the Lebanese armed forces would assume exclusive control, removing all non-state actors from those areas. Both sides will return for further discussions on political and security issues during the week of June 22, with the aim of reaching a broader and comprehensive agreement. “All countries reaffirmed that the future of the relationship between Israel and Lebanon must be decided by the two sovereign governments,” the statement said. It further noted that “they rejected any attempt, by any state or non-state actor, to hold Lebanon's future hostage,” in what appeared to be a reference to Iran and its ally Hezbollah. Also Read: US-Iran deal possible 'over the weekend': Trump says talks are going 'very well' The development came as fighting continued on the ground, with Hezbollah claiming missile attacks on northern Israel on Wednesday and Lebanese authorities reporting that Israeli strikes in the south killed at least nine people, including two paramedics. The diplomatic breakthrough comes just days after Iran threatened to walk away from secret peace talks with the United States unless Israel stopped its military operations in Lebanon. Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any strike on Beirut could trigger a “full-scale resumption” of the wider Middle East conflict as Israel continued its military campaign against Hezbollah. “The fate of the war between Iran and the Zionists (Israel) and Americans is inseparable from the fate of the battle in Lebanon, and these two fronts have been intertwined since day one,” Araghchi was quoted as saying in an interview with Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen TV. He added, “Any attack on Beirut will have grave consequences and will lead to a full-scale resumption of the war,” warning that Iran’s “armed forces are ready to strike Israel if it attacks Beirut.”

The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector, with both sides set to return for further discussions on political and security issues during the week of June 22.

Israel and Lebanon agree to implement ceasefire following US-led talks in Washington

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (May 31) hailed Israel Defence Forces’ (IDF) capture of Lebanon’s historic Beaufort Castle and the surrounding strategic ridge, calling it a “dramatic shift” in the country’s policy as its forces expand operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. In a video message, the Israeli prime minister said that the seizure marked a significant milestone in Israel’s campaign in Lebanon.“The capture of Beaufort is a dramatic stage and a dramatic shift in the policy we are leading,” Netanyahu said in the video message released by his office. “Now my directive is to deepen and expand our hold on areas that had been under Hezbollah’s control.”Recalling the historic site, Netanyahu said that the Beaufort Castle “became a symbol of deep division within our society”. Captured by Israeli forces in during the 1982 First Lebanon War, the fortress remained under Israeli control throughout its 18-year presence in southern Lebanon before the withdrawal in 2000.“Today, we have returned to Beaufort differently. We have returned united, determined, and stronger than ever,” the Israeli PM said. “We have broken through the barrier of fear. We are taking the initiative. We are operating on all fronts — in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon. We have established security zones beyond our borders in order to protect our communities.”<h2>‘Will complete the mission’</h2>The Israeli leader also claimed that 8,000 Hezbollah militants have been killed since the group began attacking Israel following the Hamas-led October 2023 attacks. While 3,000 were killed after Israel’s war with Iran began last year, 700 were killed in the past month alone, he said.“It will take time, but we will complete the mission,” Netanyahu added.Despite a ceasefire announced between Israel and Lebanon in mid-April, hostilities have continued. Thirteen Israelis have been killed since the truce took effect, including a soldier who was reportedly killed in a Hezbollah drone strike on Saturday night.<h2>France calls for UNSC emergency meeting</h2>Meanwhile, following the IDF capture of Beaufort castle in Lebanon, France has requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, the French foreign minister said on Sunday (May 31).“I have requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council because, while we recognise Israel’s right, like that of all countries, to self-defence... nothing can justify the continuation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon and its ever-deeper occupation of Lebanese territory,” Jean-Noel Barrot said on the BFMTV channel.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the capture of Lebanon’s Beaufort Castle as a major strategic victory against Hezbollah. Meanwhile, France called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting over Israel’s expanding operations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (May 31) hailed Israel Defence Forces’ (IDF) capture of Lebanon’s historic Beaufort Castle and the surrounding strategic ridge, calling it a “dramatic shift” in the country’s policy as its forces expand operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. In a video message, the Israeli prime minister said that the seizure marked a significant milestone in Israel’s campaign in Lebanon. “The capture of Beaufort is a dramatic stage and a dramatic shift in the policy we are leading,” Netanyahu said in the video message released by his office. “Now my directive is to deepen and expand our hold on areas that had been under Hezbollah’s control.” Recalling the historic site, Netanyahu said that the Beaufort Castle “became a symbol of deep division within our society”. Captured by Israeli forces in during the 1982 First Lebanon War, the fortress remained under Israeli control throughout its 18-year presence in southern Lebanon before the withdrawal in 2000. “Today, we have returned to Beaufort differently. We have returned united, determined, and stronger than ever,” the Israeli PM said. “We have broken through the barrier of fear. We are taking the initiative. We are operating on all fronts — in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon. We have established security zones beyond our borders in order to protect our communities.” ‘Will complete the mission’ The Israeli leader also claimed that 8,000 Hezbollah militants have been killed since the group began attacking Israel following the Hamas-led October 2023 attacks. While 3,000 were killed after Israel’s war with Iran began last year, 700 were killed in the past month alone, he said. “It will take time, but we will complete the mission,” Netanyahu added. Despite a ceasefire announced between Israel and Lebanon in mid-April, hostilities have continued. Thirteen Israelis have been killed since the truce took effect, including a soldier who was reportedly killed in a Hezbollah drone strike on Saturday night. France calls for UNSC emergency meeting Meanwhile, following the IDF capture of Beaufort castle in Lebanon, France has requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, the French foreign minister said on Sunday (May 31). “I have requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council because, while we recognise Israel’s right, like that of all countries, to self-defence... nothing can justify the continuation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon and its ever-deeper occupation of Lebanese territory,” Jean-Noel Barrot said on the BFMTV channel. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the capture of Lebanon’s Beaufort Castle as a major strategic victory against Hezbollah. Meanwhile, France called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting over Israel’s expanding operations.

‘We have returned stronger’: Netanyahu hails capture of Beaufort Castle in Lebanon

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Israel and Lebanon agree to implement ceasefire following US-led talks in Washington

‘We returned stronger’: Netanyahu hails capture of Lebanon’s Beaufort Castle