The US State Department published this evening (Thursday) the official text of the understandings reached through the mediation of the Trump administration between the Israeli government and the Lebanese government.
The document represents a dramatic breakthrough. It defines for the first time that the two countries are not at war and commit to striving for a sustainable peace.
According to a statement from the US State Department, "the following statement was agreed upon by the Government of Israel and the Government of Lebanon":
""Following fruitful direct talks on April 14 between the governments of the Republic of Lebanon (hereinafter "Lebanon") and the State of Israel (hereinafter "Israel"), mediated by the United States of America, Lebanon and Israel reached an understanding that the two countries will work to create conditions conducive to lasting peace between the two countries, full recognition of each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the establishment of genuine security along their shared border, while upholding Israel's inherent right to self-defense.".
Both countries recognize the significant challenges facing the Lebanese state from non-state armed groups, which undermine Lebanon's sovereignty and threaten regional stability.
Both countries understand that the activities of these groups must be reduced, so that the only forces authorized to bear arms in Lebanon will be the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), the Internal Security Forces, the General Security Directorate, the State General Security Directorate, Lebanese Customs, and the Municipal Police (hereinafter referred to as the "Lebanese Security Forces").
Israel and Lebanon confirm that the two countries are not at war and commit to conducting direct negotiations in good faith, under the guidance of the United States, with the aim of achieving a comprehensive agreement that will ensure lasting security, stability, and peace between the two countries.
To this end, the United States understands the following:
Israel and Lebanon have implemented a cessation of hostilities effective April 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, for an initial period of ten days, as a gesture of goodwill on the part of the Government of Israel, aimed at enabling negotiations in good faith towards a permanent security and peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
This initial period may be extended by mutual agreement between Lebanon and Israel, if progress is demonstrated in the negotiations and as Lebanon effectively demonstrates its ability to assert its sovereignty.
Israel will retain its right to take all necessary measures for self-defense, at any time, against planned, imminent or sustained attacks. The cessation of hostilities will not be affected. Furthermore, it will not carry out any offensive military action against Lebanese targets, including civilian, military and other State targets, on Lebanese territory by land, air or sea.
Starting April 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, with international support, the Lebanese government will take significant steps to prevent Hezbollah and any other non-state armed groups on Lebanese territory from carrying out any attacks, actions, or hostile activity against Israeli targets.
All parties recognize the Lebanese Security Forces as having sole responsibility for Lebanon's sovereignty and national defense; no other state or group claims to be a guarantor of Lebanon's sovereignty.
Israel and Lebanon request that the United States promote further direct negotiations between the two countries to resolve all remaining issues, including the demarcation of the international land border, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive agreement that will ensure lasting security, stability, and peace between the two countries.
The United States understands that the above commitments will be accepted by Israel and Lebanon concurrently with this announcement.
These commitments are intended to create the necessary conditions for negotiations in good faith towards lasting peace and security.
The United States also intends to lead international efforts to support Lebanon as part of its broader efforts to promote stability and prosperity in the region.".
