The US State Department published the text of the memorandum of understanding between Lebanon and Israel. It stated: The text of the following statement was agreed upon between the government of the State of Israel and the government of the Lebanese Republic: Following fruitful direct talks that took place on April 14 between the governments of the Lebanese Republic (hereinafter referred to as “Lebanon”) and the State of Israel (hereinafter referred to as “Israel”), under the auspices of the United States of America, Lebanon and Israel reached an understanding under which the two parties would work to create the conditions conducive to achieving lasting peace between the two countries, fully recognizing each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and establishing effective security on their common borders, while preserving Israel’s inherent right to Self defense. The two parties acknowledge the great challenges facing the Lebanese state as a result of the presence of non-state armed groups, which undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty and threatens regional stability. They also understand the necessity of curbing the activities of these groups, so that the forces exclusively authorized to bear arms in Lebanon are: the Lebanese Army, the Internal Security Forces, the General Directorate of General Security, the General Directorate of State Security, Lebanese Customs, and the Municipal Police (hereinafter referred to as the “Lebanese Security Services”). Both Israel and Lebanon affirm that they are not in a state of war, and are committed to engaging in direct negotiations in good faith, under the auspices of the United States, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive agreement that guarantees security, stability, and lasting peace between the two countries. In this context, the United States understands the following: • Both Israel and Lebanon will begin implementing a cessation of hostilities as of April 16, 2026 at 17:00 US East Coast time (00:00 midnight Beirut time), for an initial period of ten days, as a gesture of good faith by the Government of Israel, with the aim of allowing room for serious negotiations in good faith towards a permanent agreement for security and peace between the two countries. • This initial period can be extended by mutual agreement between Lebanon and Israel if progress is made in the negotiations, and with Lebanon demonstrating its actual ability to extend its sovereignty. • Israel reserves the right to take all necessary measures for self-defense, at any time, in the face of any planned, imminent or ongoing attacks, provided that this right is not affected by the cessation of hostilities. Except for this, it will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, whether civilian, military or state-affiliated, on Lebanese territory by land, air or sea. • Effective April 16, 2026 at 17:00 EST, and with international support, the Government of Lebanon will take effective steps to prevent Hezbollah and other irregular armed groups from carrying out any attacks, operations, or hostile activities against Israeli targets. • All parties recognize that the Lebanese security services are the only body exclusively authorized to protect Lebanon’s sovereignty and national defense; No other country or entity has the right to claim to guarantee this sovereignty. • Both Israel and Lebanon request the United States to facilitate additional direct negotiations between them with the aim of addressing all outstanding issues, including the demarcation of international land borders, to reach a comprehensive agreement that guarantees security, stability, and lasting peace between the two countries. The United States understands that these commitments will be adopted by Israel and Lebanon in conjunction with this declaration. These commitments aim to create the necessary conditions for serious negotiations in good faith towards achieving lasting peace and security. The United States also intends to lead international efforts to support Lebanon, as part of its broader efforts to enhance stability and prosperity in the region.”