A 10-day cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon took effect Friday after a diplomatic push by the United States, potentially easing tensions that have complicated peace talks with Iran. The agreement follows direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials in Washington and aims to halt months of cross-border violence that has killed more than 2,100 people in Lebanon and displaced thousands.

Under the deal, only Lebanon's official security forces would be permitted to bear arms in southern Lebanon, while Israel would retain the right to act in self-defense but stop offensive operations against Lebanese targets. The Lebanese government is expected to take meaningful steps to prevent Hezbollah from launching attacks, though the group's military strength has historically exceeded that of the national army.

Hezbollah acknowledged the cease-fire but stopped short of formally accepting it, warning that its fighters remain prepared. Iran welcomed the agreement, though there is disagreement over whether it is tied to a separate, earlier pause in hostilities involving Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced domestic criticism for the deal, which leaves Israeli troops in parts of southern Lebanon and falls short of his stated goal of dismantling Hezbollah.

Despite the truce, both sides exchanged strikes up until the deadline, and Lebanon's army has reported alleged violations since it began, raising questions about whether the cease-fire will hold.