Israel halts offensive action in Lebanon under US-backed truce

The US State Department announced on Thursday that Israel has committed to suspending offensive military action against Lebanon throughout a 10-day cessation of hostilities. The truce, announced earlier by President Donald Trump, is set to take effect at midnight local time (2100GMT) in Tel Aviv and Beirut. Following Trump’s declaration, the State Department released a detailed statement outlining the terms of the agreement, which explicitly states that while Israel “shall preserve its right to take all necessary measures in self-defense,” it will not conduct any offensive operations against Lebanese targets.

Terms of the ceasefire agreement

According to the State Department, Israel will refrain from launching attacks by land, air, or sea against civilian, military, or state targets inside Lebanese territory. The statement also affirmed that “all parties recognize Lebanon’s security forces as having exclusive responsibility for Lebanon’s sovereignty and national defense,” adding that “no other country or group has claim to be the guarantor of Lebanon’s sovereignty.” The truce may be extended by mutual consent between Tel Aviv and Beirut if progress is demonstrated in negotiations and if Lebanon effectively demonstrates its ability to assert sovereignty.

Path to direct negotiations

The statement further noted that both Israel and Lebanon have requested Washington to “facilitate further direct negotiations” aimed at resolving all outstanding issues, including the demarcation of the international land boundary. The goal is to reach a comprehensive agreement ensuring lasting security, stability, and peace.