The United States, Lebanon and Israel have signed a trilateral framework agreement aimed at creating a pathway toward ending decades of conflict between Israel and Lebanon.
The agreement was signed in Washington after five rounds of negotiations and outlines measures to improve security, reduce tensions and support future peace efforts between the neighbouring countries.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the pact as the beginning of a long process toward lasting peace and security, noting that more work is needed before a final agreement can be reached.
Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, said the framework is an important step toward restoring the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while allowing displaced residents to return to their homes.
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said the agreement would help reduce the influence of Iran and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and create an opportunity for peace between the two nations.
Under the framework, the Lebanese Armed Forces will gradually take control of two pilot areas currently occupied by Israeli troops. As Lebanese forces establish security and the disarmament of Hezbollah and other armed groups is verified, Israeli forces are expected to begin a phased withdrawal.
However, differences remain over implementation. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem insisted Israel must withdraw unconditionally from all Lebanese territory, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli troops would not leave until Hezbollah is fully disarmed.
The United States also pledged $100 million in humanitarian assistance through the United Nations and an additional $30 million to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces.
The agreement follows months of fighting that displaced more than one million people in Lebanon and left over 4,200 dead, according to Lebanese authorities.
