News Screen – Israel and Lebanon reached a conditional ceasefire agreement in United States-mediated negotiations in Washington, Wednesday, June 4 2026. However, the implementation of the agreement depends on a complete cessation of attacks by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
In a joint statement following the fourth round of direct talks since the conflict escalated again in March, the two sides also agreed on the creation of a pilot zone in southern Lebanon.
In the region, the Lebanese Armed Forces will assume full control of security without the involvement of non-state armed groups.
Also read: Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended, US-Iran negotiations still deadlocked
This agreement emerged amidst continued attacks on each other in the border area. On the same day, Hezbollah claimed to be targeting Israeli forces in northern Israel, while Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least nine people in southern Lebanon.
The agreement document confirms that the ceasefire can only be implemented if Hezbollah stops all military activities and withdraws its members from southern Lebanon.
The two delegations are scheduled to meet again in the week starting June 22 to continue discussions towards a more comprehensive agreement.
The Battle Still Goes On
Even though the diplomatic process is ongoing, the security situation on the ground still shows no signs of easing. The Israeli military said it had intercepted a drone and two projectiles launched from Lebanese territory.
On the other hand, Hezbollah said the rocket attack they launched was a response to Israel’s alleged violation of the ceasefire.
A previous ceasefire planned to take effect on April 17 failed to materialize because both sides accused each other of violations. A senior Hezbollah official, Mahmud Qomati, even emphasized that his group would not accept a partial ceasefire scheme.
Civilian and Medical Personnel Casualties Increase
Israeli attacks on Wednesday also reportedly hit a number of areas in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Health Ministry said the attack in Al-Hawsh, near the city of Tyre, killed four Syrians and two Palestinians.
In addition, an ambulance operated by the Risala Scout Association, an organization affiliated with the Amal Movement, was also the target of the attack. Two paramedics were reported killed in the incident.
Since the conflict broke out again, at least 130 health and emergency service workers have reportedly lost their lives.
The Lebanese military also confirmed one soldier was killed, while an officer and another soldier were injured in a separate attack targeting military vehicles.
Residents Urge Southern Region to Be Free of Armed Groups
In the midst of increasing escalation, there has been pressure from some southern Lebanese people to keep their cities away from military activity.
A petition calling for Tire to be designated an “open city” without the presence of armed groups has gathered more than 180 signatures from lawyers, academics and local community leaders.
They also urged the government to place the Lebanese military as the sole security authority in the region. A similar petition in Nabatieh City also received support from more than 200 residents.
Meanwhile, Israel continues to increase its military operations and in recent weeks launched a ground offensive which is said to be the deepest penetration into Lebanese territory in the last two decades.***
