Israel-Lebanon 'Pilot Zones' Ceasefire Agreement Signed in Washington; 48 Killed

Israel and Lebanon signed a renewed ceasefire agreement in Washington on June 3, 2026, creating 'pilot zones' in which Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) would assume 'exclusive control of territory to the exclusion of all non-state actors.' Both sides agreed to: weapons restriction to LAF only in pilot zones, declaration of Hezbollah as an enemy of the Lebanese state, mutual commitment to non-hostility. The US stated it would back Israeli 'freedom of action' in response to any attacks that violated the agreement. Round 5 of talks was scheduled for June 22, 2026. Despite the signing, 48 people were killed in Israeli strikes across Lebanon on June 3 — the deadliest single day in weeks. An Israeli drone also struck the main highway connecting Beirut to southern Lebanon on the city's outskirts, cutting a key resupply and evacuation route.