The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire went into effect at midnight between Thursday and Friday, with the two countries committing to further negotiations toward a comprehensive agreement for lasting peace, according to a Thursday US State Department press release.
The press release, the text of which was agreed to by the governments of both Israel and Lebanon, outlined the agreement for the 10-day ceasefire, stating that it could be extended should both countries agree and “as Lebanon effectively demonstrates its ability to assert its sovereignty.”
As part of the ceasefire agreement, the Lebanese government has committed to, with international support, take “meaningful steps” to prevent Hezbollah and any other “rogue non-state armed groups” in Lebanon from attacking Israel.
Further, it stated that all parties recognize Lebanon’s security forces as having exclusive responsibility to defend the country and its sovereignty.
Both countries also recognize that Hezbollah’s activity “must be curtailed,” as Lebanon’s security forces are the only ones authorized to bear arms.
Israel has agreed not to attack any Lebanese targets, “including civilian, military, and other state targets,” unless in self-defense. However, Israel still preserves the right to take “all necessary measures in self-defense, at any time, against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks.”
Israel and Lebanon have both requested that the US mediate further negotiations on issues such as the demarcation of the international boundary, with the goal of reaching a deal that ensures “lasting stability and peace between the two countries.”
The State Department affirmed the US’s intentions to lead international efforts to assist Lebanon “as a component of its broader efforts to advance stability and prosperity in the region.
“Trump wants this to happen, so this time the US will be far more involved,” the official said.
Amichai Stein contributed to this report.
Source:
www.jpost.com
