Israel and Lebanon have made a joint announcement alongside the United States to renew their cease-fire and aim for a “comprehensive” resolution. This development may potentially smooth the path for talks between the U.S. and Iran. However, the success of the cease-fire relies heavily on Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group supported by Iran, which is in conflict with Israel. Notably, Hezbollah does not operate as a part of the Lebanese government and is excluded from the ongoing negotiations.
The joint statement specified that the cease-fire is dependent on a total halt of Hezbollah attacks and the complete withdrawal of its operatives from the South Litani Sector, a region of southern Lebanon bordering Israel. Israeli forces have occupied this area since the resurgence of conflict with Hezbollah.
Tensions escalated when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel on March 1, after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran began. In retaliation, Israel intensified military actions, targeting Hezbollah’s positions around Beirut and other areas, while advancing into southern Lebanon.
The agreement, confirmed by the U.S. State Department, transpired after Israeli and Lebanese officials engaged in U.S.-mediated discussions in Washington, D.C. It includes the proposition for establishing “pilot zones” under the exclusive control of the Lebanese military. These zones would prohibit involvement from any “nonstate actors.”
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has added complexities to the peace negotiations aimed at concluding the U.S.-Israeli military engagement in Iran. Iran has asserted the necessity of including Lebanon in any peace settlement. Despite Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Qassem, expressing support for an Iranian-U.S. agreement that encompasses a Lebanese truce, he has voiced opposition to direct talks between Israel and Lebanon.
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