Israel, Lebanon agree to implementation of ceasefire

Lebanon and Israel said that they had agreed to the implementation of a ‌ceasefire following negotiations in Washington aimed at ending the conflict that flared up alongside the war in Iran ​on Wednesday.

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 United States, reports Reuters.

"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 U.S.-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 United ⁠States 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.