Israel and Lebanon agree to renew fragile ceasefire, create Hezbollah-free zones

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to renew their fragile ceasefire, following a fourth round of US-mediated talks at the State Department. The agreement includes the creation of "pilot" security zones within Lebanon, from which Hezbollah militants would be banned. This ceasefire is contingent upon a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from areas south of the Litani River. The Lebanese army is expected to take full control of these security zones, though the specifics of their establishment remain unclear.