Amidst the ongoing tension in the Middle East, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire on Wednesday. However, both the countries have clarified that this ceasefire will be effective only when the Iran-backed organization Hezbollah completely stops attacks and firing. This information was given in a joint statement issued after the US-led talks in Washington.

Agreement reached on implementation of ceasefire

According to the joint statement, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire. However, both countries stressed that for the ceasefire to be successful, it is necessary to completely stop all types of military activities and attacks by Hezbollah. It is noteworthy that there are no formal diplomatic relations between Israel and Lebanon, but talks are going on between the two sides regarding regional stability.

Decision to create “Pilot Zone” also

During the talks, both countries also agreed to establish “pilot zones” in some specific areas. These areas will be under the control of only the Lebanese Armed Forces and no non-state armed group will be allowed to carry out activities there. The joint statement said that security and administrative responsibility in these areas will be completely in the hands of the Lebanese Army.

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Talks will be held again in June

According to the statement, both sides will meet again for talks in the week starting June 22. During this, political and security related issues will be discussed. The aim of the talks is to reach a comprehensive and permanent agreement between the two countries.

No outside interference on Lebanon’s future

The joint statement said that all participating countries have confirmed that the future of relations between Israel and Lebanon will be decided only by the two sovereign governments. The statement also said that no country or non-state organization should be allowed to hold Lebanon’s future hostage. This is being seen as a hint towards Iran and its ally Hezbollah.

Trump also claimed that tension has reduced

This talk took place at a time when a few days ago US President Donald Trump had claimed that both Israel and Lebanon have committed to reducing tensions. However, despite ongoing talks at the political level, the struggle at the ground level has not stopped completely.

Attacks continued despite ceasefire agreement

Despite the agreement on ceasefire, the series of attacks between Israel and Hezbollah continues. On Wednesday, Hezbollah claimed to launch missile attacks on northern Israel. Lebanon says that at least nine people were killed in Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, including two paramedics.