ISRAEL AND LEBANON AGREE TO CEASEFIRE FRAMEWORK AS HEZBOLLAH REJECTS TERMS, RAISING DOUBTS OVER IMPLEMENTATION. (PHOTO).

 Israel and Lebanon agree to ceasefire framework as Hezbollah rejects terms, raising doubts over implementation

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a ceasefire framework contingent on Hezbollah halting attacks and withdrawing forces south of Lebanon’s Litani River, according to a joint statement from the United States, Israel, and Lebanon.

The agreement followed two days of U.S.-mediated talks and outlines plans for so-called “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon, where the Lebanese Armed Forces would take control and ensure no Hezbollah presence. In return, Israeli forces would withdraw from designated areas as part of a broader effort to reduce cross-border hostilities.

However, the deal faces immediate uncertainty after Hezbollah rejected the terms, with its leadership calling the proposal unacceptable and insisting that any ceasefire must include a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The group also vowed to continue operations as long as Israeli forces remain in the area, raising questions about whether the agreement can be implemented in practice.

The ceasefire effort comes amid ongoing regional tensions, including continued cross-border drone activity and missile fire, despite earlier announcements suggesting a partial pause in fighting. Lebanese officials said they would relay Hezbollah’s position to U.S. mediators, while noting the agreement would take effect only after guarantees from all parties are received.

Hezbollah’s rejection has added to uncertainty over the plan’s future and increased the risk that the arrangement could stall or remain unenforced. Analysts note that if attacks continue, it could further escalate pressure on the United States and Israel as negotiations proceed toward a broader security agreement, with another round of talks scheduled for June 22 in Washington, D.C.