JERUSALEM/BEIRUT, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Thursday said that the current reality in Lebanon could lead to a peace agreement between the two countries, according to a statement issued by his office.

Katz said that the declaration of principles reached in Washington between Israel and the Lebanese government reflects the situation on the ground in Lebanon, including efforts to disarm Hezbollah, push its forces north of the Litani River, and establish a demilitarized zone.

He also said Israel "will not rely on any other party for its security," adding that the emerging situation could, depending on developments and Israel's security needs, create conditions for a possible peace agreement and achieving real and permanent security for northern Israel residents for the first time in 50 years.

On Wednesday night, Israel and Lebanon agreed to implement a ceasefire following U.S.-mediated trilateral talks in Washington.

The ceasefire depends on a complete halt to Hezbollah fire and the withdrawal of all Hezbollah operatives from south of the Litani River.

The agreement also includes steps to create "pilot zones" in Lebanon where Hezbollah would be excluded, with the Lebanese military taking full control of those areas.

Further high-level talks are planned later this month to reach a comprehensive agreement.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the agreement was "a final opportunity to secure a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire," and Lebanon would inform the United States of its position "as soon as responses are received from the concerned internal parties, particularly Hezbollah."

Despite the truce efforts, Israeli strikes continued. At least 12 people were killed and four others wounded in Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon on Tuesday, according to the Lebanese National News Agency.

Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon continued from Wednesday night into Thursday, killing three people and wounding at least nine others, according to media reports.

In the latest development, Lebanese security sources and eyewitnesses said on Thursday that the Israeli army has begun a gradual withdrawal from the town of Dibbine in eastern South Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said on Thursday that resistance against Israel will continue and Israeli settlements will remain unsafe as long as the occupation and attacks on Lebanese territory persist. ■