Israeli and Lebanese officials agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire in April 2026 that ties any Israeli pullback from positions south of the Litani River to Hezbollah’s full withdrawal from the area and Lebanese Armed Forces enforcement of the buffer zone. Israel has since conducted ground operations and airstrikes beyond the river, including bridge demolitions and temporary control of strategic sites, while announcing phased, conditional withdrawals contingent on reduced Hezbollah presence. Defense Minister statements in June 2026 outlined pilot pullbacks between the Yellow Line and Litani once the Lebanese army clears operatives. Sporadic clashes and evacuation orders continued into August, reflecting persistent security concerns that traders cite as the main barrier to near-term full withdrawal. Scheduled diplomatic follow-ups and Lebanese force deployments remain the key variables that could shift timelines.