Following U.S.-mediated talks, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a structured path toward a broader peace process anchored in a 10-day cessation of hostilities beginning on Thursday midnight. The framework aims to lay the groundwork for lasting peace, mutual recognition, and enhanced border security, with negotiations facilitated by the United States.

The arrangement centers on Lebanon’s commitment to strengthen State sovereignty by restricting the role of Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups, ensuring that arms are held exclusively by official Lebanese security institutions. Israel, for its part, retains what the framework describes as its full right to self-defense against imminent threats. Both sides are expected to engage in direct, good-faith negotiations under U.S. facilitation to address outstanding disputes, including border demarcation, with the ceasefire serving as a confidence-building step contingent on progress.

The following is the full text of the framework agreement: 

Following productive direct discussions on April 14 between representatives of the Republic of Lebanon and the State of Israel, brokered by the United States of America, both parties have reached an understanding aimed at creating conditions conducive to lasting peace, mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the establishment of genuine security along their shared border, while preserving Israel’s inherent right to self-defense.

Both sides acknowledge the serious challenges posed to the Lebanese state by non-state armed groups, which undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty and threaten regional stability. They further recognize the need to restrict such groups, limiting the possession of weapons exclusively to Lebanon’s official security institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Internal Security Forces, Directorate of General Security, General Directorate of State Security, Lebanese Customs, and Municipal Police (hereinafter “Lebanon’s security forces”).

Israel and Lebanon affirm that they are not in a state of war and commit to entering into direct negotiations in good faith, facilitated by the United States, with the aim of achieving a comprehensive agreement ensuring long-term security, stability, and peace between the two countries.

To this end, the United States sets out the following understandings:

1. Israel and Lebanon will observe a cessation of hostilities beginning April 16, 2026, at 17:00 EST, for an initial period of ten days. This step, described as a goodwill gesture by Israel, is intended to enable constructive negotiations toward a permanent security and peace agreement.

2. The initial 10-day period may be extended by mutual consent if sufficient progress is achieved in negotiations and if Lebanon demonstrates effective steps to assert its sovereignty.

3. Israel retains the right to take all necessary measures in self-defense at any time in response to planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks. This provision shall not be affected by the cessation of hostilities. Aside from such defensive actions, Israel will refrain from offensive military operations against Lebanese territory, whether by land, air, or sea, including against civilian, military, or state-related targets.

4. Beginning April 16, 2026, at 17:00 EST, the Government of Lebanon, with international support, will take meaningful steps to prevent Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups operating on Lebanese territory from carrying out attacks, operations, or hostile actions against Israeli targets.

5. All parties recognize Lebanon’s official security forces as solely responsible for national sovereignty and defense, and affirm that no other entity or country may claim the role of guarantor of Lebanon’s sovereignty.

6. Israel and Lebanon request that the United States facilitate further direct negotiations aimed at resolving all remaining disputes, including the demarcation of the international land boundary, with the objective of reaching a comprehensive agreement ensuring lasting peace, stability, and security.

The United States understands that these commitments will be accepted simultaneously by both Israel and Lebanon at the time of announcement. It further states that the framework is intended to create the conditions necessary for sustained good-faith negotiations toward enduring peace and stability. Washington also intends to lead broader international efforts to support Lebanon as part of a wider strategy to promote regional stability and prosperity.