Israel, Lebanon agree to implementation of ceasefire

Israel's offensive in Lebanon
Israel and Lebanon had previously agreed to a ceasefire in April but the violence continued. -EPA

Lebanon and ‌Israel have agreed to the implementation of a ceasefire following ‌negotiations in Washington aimed at ending the conflict that flared up alongside the war in ‌Iran.

The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of fire from the Iran-aligned Hezbollah militia and the evacuation of all of its operatives from the South Litani Sector, according to a joint statement released with the US on Wednesday.

"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," they said.

Israel and Lebanon had previously agreed to a cessation of hostilities in April that was then extended in May, but violence has continued.

Israeli drone strikes killed ⁠at least six people in southern Lebanon and ‌targeted ​a car south of Beirut on Wednesday, Lebanese security sources said. Israel said it ​intercepted a hostile aircraft ‌likely fired by Hezbollah.

A US-mediated agreement announced on Monday had led Israel to ​step back from attacking the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut, and the Iran-backed group to halt cross-border strikes.

Israel invaded Lebanon in March in pursuit of Hezbollah which ​fired ​across the border in support ​of Tehran.

Iran has said it will not ‌agree to a deal to end the conflict with the US and Israel launched in late February unless a ceasefire also covers Lebanon.

Lebanon and Israel on Wednesday agreed to further direct negotiations to build confidence and resolve other outstanding issues.

The pair will ​reconvene to hold political and security-related talks during the week of June 22 with ​a view toward a ⁠comprehensive agreement, according to the statement.