The US State Department has published the text of the temporary ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, announced by US President Donald Trump on Thursday, which paves the way for negotiations that could result in a permanent peace agreement.
The State Department said in a statement that the following text had been agreed between the Government of Israel and the Government of Lebanon:
Following direct and productive talks held on April 14 between the Government of the Lebanese Republic (hereinafter referred to as “Lebanon”) and the State of Israel (hereinafter referred to as “Israel”), mediated by the United States of America, Lebanon and Israel reached an understanding under which both countries will work to create favorable conditions for establishing lasting peace between the two states, full recognition of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the establishment of genuine security along their shared border, while at the same time preserving Israel’s inherent right to self-defense.
Both countries acknowledge the grave challenges facing the Lebanese state as a result of armed groups outside state control, which undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty and threaten regional stability. Both countries also recognize the need to curb the activities of those groups, so that the only forces authorized to bear arms in Lebanon are the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Internal Security Forces, the General Directorate of General Security, the General Directorate of State Security, Lebanese Customs, and the municipal police (hereinafter referred to as the “Lebanese security forces”).
Israel and Lebanon both affirm that the two states are not in a state of war, and commit to engaging in direct negotiations in good faith, facilitated by the United States, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive agreement that guarantees security, stability, and lasting peace between the two countries.
To that end, the United States understands the following:
1. Israel and Lebanon will implement a cessation of hostilities beginning on April 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), for an initial period of ten days, as a gesture of goodwill by the Government of Israel, intended to enable good-faith negotiations toward a permanent agreement on security and peace between Israel and Lebanon.
2. This initial period may be extended by mutual agreement between Lebanon and Israel, provided that tangible progress is made in the negotiations, and to the extent that Lebanon effectively demonstrates its ability to assert its sovereignty.
3. Israel retains its right to take all necessary measures in self-defense, at any time, against any planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks. The cessation of hostilities shall not prevent the exercise of this right. Furthermore, it will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets — including civilian, military, and other state targets — within Lebanese territory, whether by land, air, or sea.
4. As of April 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST and thereafter, and with international support, the Lebanese government will take concrete steps to prevent Hezbollah and all other rogue armed groups outside state control within Lebanese territory from carrying out any attacks, operations, or hostile activities against Israeli targets.
5. All parties acknowledge that the Lebanese security forces bear exclusive responsibility for Lebanon’s sovereignty and national defense; no other state or group has the right to claim that it is the guarantor of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
6. Israel and Lebanon request that the United States facilitate further direct negotiations between the two countries, with the aim of resolving all outstanding issues — including the demarcation of the international land border — leading to the conclusion of a comprehensive agreement that guarantees security, stability, and lasting peace between the two countries.
According to the statement, “The United States understands that the above commitments will be accepted by Israel and Lebanon simultaneously with the issuance of this announcement. These commitments have been designed to create the conditions necessary for good-faith negotiations aimed at achieving lasting peace and security. Moreover, the United States intends to lead international efforts to support Lebanon, as part of its broader efforts to promote stability and prosperity in the region.”
