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Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a ceasefire contingent on the cessation of Hezbollah fire and the removal of its operatives from southern Lebanon, according to a joint statement released after U.S.-mediated talks.

The statement also revealed plans to create pilot zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces will take exclusive control, excluding all non-state actors. However, a timeline for these zones has not been specified.

Israel is insisting that lasting security depends on Hezbollah being disarmed and its infrastructure removed across Lebanon. Lebanon is countering that peace requires respect for its internationally recognized borders and full sovereignty. The U.S. has said it would support the Lebanese Armed Forces to strengthen their ability to assert control over the entire country.

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All parties condemned Iran’s attacks on regional countries and activities that undermine stability in the Middle East.

Israel and Lebanon held nearly nine hours of talks facilitated by the State Department. on Wednesday, after a full day of discussions on Tuesday. Both sides agreed to resume political and security negotiations in the week of June 22, to reach a comprehensive agreement. The U.S. will continue facilitating communication between them in the meantime.

Despite the ongoing ceasefire, violations have been reported as Israel and Hezbollah continue to trade strikes, according to CNN.

Trump Confirms Heated Call With Netanyahu

The Israeli government had previously threatened to escalate its actions in Lebanon, potentially jeopardizing U.S.-Iran talks.

President Donald Trump confirmed on the “Pod Force One” podcast that he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “effing crazy” during a phone call amid ongoing fighting in Lebanon, saying he was frustrated by Israel’s continued military actions while the U.S. was working to broker a broader regional de-escalation.

Trump acknowledged the remark but said he was not angry, only “a little bit perturbed” by Netanyahu’s constant fighting with Lebanon. Despite the criticism, Trump emphasized that he and Netanyahu have a strong relationship and recalled telling the Israeli leader, “Bibi, we got to stop this.”

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US Keeps Pressure On Iran

Meanwhile, speaking to the reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump said that said the U.S. wants Iran’s enriched uranium and expects to get it soon. “At some time, in the not too distant future,” Trump said.

However, Iran has reportedly been inconsistent in allowing access to its nuclear sites, said the President. He added that the sites are closely monitored through satellites and warned that the U.S. would undertake possible action if needed.

Furthermore, a Wall Street Journal report suggested that Trump has privately told aides he may end the ceasefire with Iran if American troops are killed, though the current pause in airstrikes is still holding despite ongoing skirmishes.

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War Powers Vote Challenges Trump

In another significant development, the House of Representatives voted 215-208 to pass a war powers resolution restricting Trump’s ability to continue military action against Iran without congressional approval. The measure, supported by Democrats and four Republicans, requires the withdrawal of U.S. forces unless Congress authorizes military action or declares war.

The House’s passage of the War Powers Resolution is a political blow to the White House, but it is unlikely to end the Iran conflict soon. The measure must still pass both chambers in identical form, and Trump is expected to veto it. Supporters also lack the two-thirds majority needed in Congress to override a presidential veto.

Image via Shutterstock

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