Israel and Lebanon agreed on Wednesday to renew their fragile ceasefire and create several “experimental” security zones inside Lebanon where Hezbollah militants will be banned.
In a joint statement released after the fourth round of talks mediated by the United States at the State Department, the two sides said the cease-fire “is dependent on Hezbollah’s complete ceasefire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives” from areas south of the Litani River.
It was not immediately clear how the security zones would be established but the agreement calls for the Lebanese army to take full control of the areas.
“These steps will facilitate progress towards a peace and security agreement,” the statement said.
“All countries reiterated that the future of relations between Israel and Lebanon must be decided by two independent governments. They rejected any attempt, by the government or any non-state actor, to hold Lebanon’s future hostage.”
