Israel and Lebanon agree to implement a ceasefire.

(Photo: AP)

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a ceasefire after weeks of fierce fighting between Tel Aviv's forces and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, threatening broader negotiations between the US and Iran to end the conflict. The move has raised hopes for a broader agreement to end the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

According to a joint statement issued by the Israeli, Lebanese, and US governments , the US-brokered ceasefire agreement requires Hezbollah to completely cease attacks and shelling against Israel and withdraw from a large area in southern Lebanon. Under this agreement, Israel will not directly engage in conflict with the Lebanese armed forces.

The two sides also agreed to establish "pilot zones," in which the Lebanese army would control the areas to eliminate the presence of non-state armed forces.

Hezbollah, backed by Iran, wields considerable influence in Lebanon, particularly within the Shia community. The Lebanese government has long struggled to control this armed group, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States.

Israel và Lebanon nhất trí thực thi lệnh ngừng bắn - Ảnh 1. — Israeli soldiers gather at the border with Lebanon in northern Israel, June 2, 2026 (AP Photo)

The ceasefire on June 3rd was reached after two days of negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington. A joint statement said Israel and Lebanon had agreed to hold the next round of talks in about three weeks, with the goal of reaching a comprehensive agreement.

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"All countries reaffirm that the future of relations between Israel and Lebanon must be decided by the two sovereign governments," the statement said. "They reject any attempts by any country or non-state organization to exert pressure on Lebanon's future."

Israel and Hezbollah have been fighting for months, with Hezbollah launching rockets into northern Israel, while Israeli forces control much of southern Lebanon.

Previously, Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a ceasefire in April, and this agreement was extended in May, but violence continued. US President Donald Trump said Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to reduce fighting on June 1, but clashes resumed the following day.

More than 3,000 people have been killed in Lebanon since fighting began in early March, and dozens of Israelis have died. More than 1 million people in Lebanon – a country with an estimated population of nearly 6 million – have been displaced.

This conflict has cast a shadow over broader diplomatic efforts to end the months-long war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. The Iranian government insists that any agreement to end the U.S.-Israel war with Iran must include an end to fighting in Lebanon.

Regional observers believe that any agreement between Lebanon and Israel must take into account the issue of Hezbollah, because this armed group is not only a military force but also a socio-political entity with profound influence on life in Lebanon.

Earlier this week, an Iranian news agency reported that the Islamic Republic had suspended indirect talks with the US over Israeli military activity in Lebanon, even though President Trump said the talks were still ongoing.