Israel and Lebanon sign deal in Washington; Netanyahu calls it 'blow to Iran'

Israel and Lebanon have signed a framework agreement in Washington aimed at de-escalating tensions and establishing a security zone, marking a significant diplomatic step mediated by the United States. The accord, reached after five rounds of intense negotiations, addresses key issues including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah.

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The negotiations were long and today they bore fruit. The most important thing is that Israel remains in the security zone in southern Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a "hard blow to Iran," emphasizing that it secures Israel's interests while signaling to Iran that the region's affairs are not its concern. The deal reportedly includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces within the security zone and allows residents to return to their homes in pilot areas. It also addresses the management of Hezbollah tunnels and efforts to counter the group's strengthening.

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This is a great achievement and we will maintain it until Hezbollah is disarmed, as long as there is a danger to the State of Israel. This is also a hard blow to Iran. And in essence, Israel, Lebanon and the United States are telling them: it's none of your business.

However, the agreement has drawn criticism from Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite group. A Hezbollah parliamentarian condemned the deal, warning against political and security ramifications that could undermine Lebanon's sovereignty and create internal divisions. The group maintains its rejection of direct negotiations with Israel.

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We reaffirm Hezbollah's position that rejects direct negotiations with the Israeli enemy. We warn against the political and security drift of the negotiations, which undermines Lebanon's sovereignty and causes dangerous internal divisions.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the agreement as "the beginning of the beginning," acknowledging the significant work ahead but stressing its vital importance for peace and prosperity in both Lebanon and Israel. The initiative's success is seen as dependent on strong U.S. involvement, including training the Lebanese army. The Italian government has also welcomed the news and offered its support for consolidating the progress made.

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The first step is sometimes the most difficult, and it is what we are taking together today.