BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Israel and Lebanon appear headed toward a complex ceasefire after a new round of talks in the US. The latest agreement is supposed to be “contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives,” according to a joint statement reported by Arab News in Saudi Arabia.

The key parts of the deal are the ceasefire, the creation of “pilot zones” for the Lebanese army to take control, and also movement toward a comprehensive deal.

This is the fourth round of US-backed talks between Israel and Lebanon. In some ways, this is unprecedented because of all these long meetings between Israeli and Lebanese officials.

The US push for this has made it possible. US officials are focused on making this work. US President Donald Trump has personally sought to de-escalate fighting in Lebanon, pressuring Israel not to strike in southern Beirut.

How did we get here? Israel’s increased strikes on Hezbollah between September and November 2024 led to a ceasefire deal. Then the Assad regime fell in December, depriving Hezbollah of a key ally.

Israeli security forces at the scene where a house was hit by an explosive drone launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon in Metula near the Israeli-Lebanese border, May 25, 2026.
Israeli security forces at the scene where a house was hit by an explosive drone launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon in Metula near the Israeli-Lebanese border, May 25, 2026. (credit: AYAL MARGOLIN/FLASH90)