Israel and Lebanon announced Wednesday that they have agreed to implement a ceasefire following negotiations conducted in Washington, marking a significant step toward reducing tensions along their shared border.

According to a joint statement issued with the United States, the agreement is contingent upon a complete halt to attacks by the Hezbollah terrorist organization and the withdrawal of all Hezbollah fighters from areas south of the Litani River.

“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,” the statement said.

The arrangement is designed to establish greater stability in southern Lebanon by ensuring that control of the territory is exercised solely by the Lebanese Armed Forces rather than armed groups operating outside government authority.

For Israel, the requirement that Hezbollah cease its attacks and pull its fighters from the region represents a key component of the agreement. The terrorist group has long been viewed as a major security threat, making enforcement of these conditions critical to the success of the ceasefire.

The deal also highlights the role of the United States in facilitating negotiations and encouraging both sides to move toward a framework aimed at reducing the risk of further conflict. In a region where ceasefires can sometimes be as fragile as the paper they are written on, implementation will be watched closely by all parties involved.

Still, the announcement provides a potential path toward greater security and stability. If the agreed conditions are upheld, the ceasefire could help prevent further escalation and create an opportunity for a more peaceful future in the region.