Israel and Lebanon have agreed to maintain the ceasefire, conditional on a complete cessation of attacks by Hezbollah, and the withdrawal of all Hezbollah fighters from the area south of the Litani River, the US State Department reported, after talks between representatives of the two countries brokered by Washington.

Also, the parties agreed to establish pilot zones, where the Lebanese armed forces will exercise full control. Israel and Lebanon have reaffirmed that they have no hostile intentions towards each other and have committed to continuing direct negotiations to build confidence, resolve all outstanding issues, and work toward a comprehensive agreement between the two countries, the US State Department noted.

It added that Israel and Lebanon agreed to resume discussions on political and security issues the week of June 22, and with the aim of reaching a comprehensive agreement.

At the same time, the US agreed to continue facilitating contacts between the parties in the interim period. Lebanon and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire in April.

The Lebanese army did not participate in the conflict with Israel; the military operations were carried out by the Hezbollah movement, which is not a party to the ceasefire agreements.