Israel and Lebanon have signed a US-brokered framework agreement aimed at laying the groundwork for a lasting peace after months of cross-border conflict, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing it as the first step toward restoring stability in the region.
The agreement was signed in Washington by the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States in the presence of Rubio. According to the US State Department, the framework establishes a process to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, and restore Lebanon’s sovereignty over affected areas.
The United States will oversee implementation through a newly established Military Coordination Group for Lebanon and has pledged $100 million in humanitarian assistance to support recovery efforts.
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said the framework could eventually pave the way for peace between the two countries, expressing hope that citizens of both nations would one day be able to travel freely across the border. He stressed that progress depends on Hezbollah being disarmed and on the Lebanese army assuming full control of southern Lebanon.
Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad described the agreement as an important first step toward restoring Lebanon’s territorial integrity, achieving a permanent ceasefire, and enabling displaced residents to return home.
However, Hezbollah rejected the framework, insisting it would not surrender its weapons. Senior Hezbollah official Hassan Fadlallah warned that attempts to enforce the agreement through military means could push Lebanon toward civil conflict. The group also criticised the direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the framework seeks an Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory while extending state authority through the Lebanese armed forces. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the agreement, saying Israel would maintain its security zone in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is fully disarmed and no longer poses a threat.
The agreement marks a significant diplomatic development, although its success will largely depend on implementation and acceptance by key parties involved in the conflict.