The US State Department published the text of the temporary ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which is expected to enter into force on the night of April 17 and remain in effect for ten days.
The agreement stated: “The two countries will work to create favorable conditions for a lasting peace between the two countries, fully recognize each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and establish real security along their common borders while preserving Israel’s inalienable right to self-defense.”
The two parties indicated that they plan to limit the activities of non-state armed groups that “undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty and threaten regional stability.” States believe that the activities of such groups should be limited so that the only forces allowed to bear arms in Lebanon are the country’s security forces.
Israel and Lebanon reaffirm that the two countries are not at war and are committed to entering into direct negotiations in good faith, facilitated by the United States, to reach a comprehensive agreement that guarantees permanent security, stability, and peace between the two countries.
For its part, the United States, which mediated the negotiations, noted that Israel “reserves the right to take all necessary measures for self-defense at any time against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks,” and a cessation of hostilities should not prevent this.
Additionally, the United States said in the agreement, once the temporary truce begins, Lebanon, with international support, “will take meaningful steps to prevent Hezbollah and all other rogue non-state armed groups on Lebanese territory” from carrying out attacks and other hostile actions against Israel.
US President Donald Trump announced earlier that Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire after holding their first direct talks since 1993 on April 14.
Israel and Lebanon have technically been at war since Israel’s founding in 1948. Lebanon does not recognize the State of Israel.