April 16 (Reuters) - Israel and Lebanon will implement a 10-day ceasefire beginning 5 pm EST (2100 GMT) on Thursday to enable negotiations toward a permanent security and peace agreement, the U.S.
Ten-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire may be extended by mutual agreement, US says
Ceasefire Agreement Details and Implications
Ceasefire Implementation and Duration
April 16 (Reuters) - Israel and Lebanon will implement a 10-day ceasefire beginning 5 pm EST (2100 GMT) on Thursday to enable negotiations toward a permanent security and peace agreement, the U.S. State Department said, adding that the ceasefire period may be extended by mutual agreement.
Background: Obstacles to Lasting Peace
Israel's campaign in Lebanon has emerged as a major obstacle to securing a peace deal sought by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the war on Iran he launched with Israel in late February, which has disrupted the global energy trade, spiking oil prices and risking further economic fallout.
Terms of the Ceasefire
Lebanon's Responsibilities
Once the ceasefire takes effect, the Lebanese government will take steps to prevent Hezbollah and all other non-state armed groups in its territory from carrying out any attacks against Israel, according to the text of the ceasefire agreement released by the U.S. State Department.
Recognition of Sovereignty
"All parties recognize Lebanon's security forces as having exclusive responsibility for Lebanon's sovereignty and national defense; no other country or group has claim to be the guarantor of Lebanon's sovereignty," the agreement reads.
Israel's Commitments
Israel can take necessary measures in self-defense against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks during the ceasefire period, but it agreed not to carry out any offensive military operations in Lebanon during the ten days.
Negotiations and Future Prospects
Direct Negotiations and Boundary Issues
The two countries have requested the United States to facilitate further direct negotiations between them to resolve all remaining issues, including demarcation of the international land boundary, according to the ceasefire agreement.
Commitment to Lasting Peace
"Israel and Lebanon affirm that the two countries are not at war and commit to engaging in good-faith direct negotiations, facilitated by the United States, with the objective of achieving a comprehensive agreement that ensures lasting security, stability, and peace between the two countries," the text released by the U.S. State Department said.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Bhargav Acharya and Ismail Shakil; Editing by Christian Martinez and Caitlin Webber)
