Israel, Lebanon sign framework deal with U.S. seen as ‘first step’ to peace

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio witnessed the signing of a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, hailed as a "first step toward peace" following months of conflict. The deal, however, does not include Hezbollah, a powerful Lebanese militant group. One of its officials warned the agreement could lead to civil war.

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is a first step on the road to restoring Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, securing a permanent and final cessation of hostilities, enabling our people to go back to their land and allowing all Lebanese to live in peace, security and prosperity.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later commented that the framework would enable Lebanese forces to eventually take control of territory currently held by Israel's military. The agreement was formally signed in Washington by Yechiel Leiter, Israel's ambassador to the U.S., and Nada Hamadeh, Lebanon's ambassador to the U.S.

Hamadeh described the framework as a crucial step toward restoring Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity. She expressed hope that it would lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities, allowing Lebanese citizens to return to their land and live in peace and security. Leiter echoed these sentiments, envisioning "real peace" where both countries' sovereignty is respected.

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Real peace, where both countries will live in security, where Israel’s and Lebanon’s sovereignty will be respected, honored and protected.

Leiter emphasized that the "performance-based trilateral framework agreement" excludes Iran and Hezbollah, paving the way for peace between Israel and Lebanon. The recent conflict began when Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel shortly after Israel and the U.S. initiated their war on Iran on February 28, leading to an Israeli invasion of Lebanon. The talks between Israel and Lebanon were separate from an interim deal between the U.S. and Iran aimed at ending fighting in the Islamic Republic.

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In this performance-based trilateral framework agreement, Iran is out. Hezbollah is out. And the road to peace between Israel and Lebanon is in.