Israel, Lebanon renew ceasefire after Trump-Netanyahu rift; what the deal means

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to renew a fragile ceasefire after the latest bout of intensified fighting triggered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's order to step up military operations in southern Lebanon.

The escalation saw Israeli troops push deeper into Lebanese territory, capturing the strategic Beaufort Castle and its surrounding ridge, which marked Israel's deepest incursion into Lebanon in more than 26 years.

US President Donald Trump, at the time, had called Netanyahu "crazy,"

though both are on good terms right now, he told The New York Post.

“We’ve worked very well together. I like Bibi a lot. And I work very well with him,” he said. The ceasefire agreement was reached after US-mediated talks.

The renewed ceasefire came after the US convened the fourth high-level trilateral meeting between Israeli and Lebanese representatives on June 2 and 3, 2026, according to the US State Department. 

Key terms of the ceasefire: What has been agreed?

• Complete halt to Hezbollah attacks: The ceasefire is contingent on a full cessation of Hezbollah fire into Israel.



• Hezbollah withdrawal from southern Lebanon: All Hezbollah operatives are to evacuate the area south of the Litani River, a longstanding Israeli demand.



• Lebanese Army deployment: The two sides agreed to rapidly establish pilot zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) will exercise exclusive control, with no role for Hezbollah or other non-state armed groups.



• Path toward dismantling armed groups: Israeli and Lebanese officials discussed a broader security framework focused on dismantling non-state armed groups and preventing their re-emergence.



• Direct talks to continue: Israel and Lebanon committed to continuing direct negotiations under US mediation to address unresolved issues and work toward a broader peace and security arrangement.



• Next negotiations in June 22 week: Political and security talks are expected to resume later this month.



• US support for Lebanese state institutions: Washington reiterated its support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and efforts to strengthen the Lebanese state's authority across its territory.