Israel, Lebanon, U.S. Sign Framework Agreement for Lasting Peace

Israel, Lebanon, and the United States have signed a framework agreement in Washington, aiming to pave the way for lasting peace and security. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the accord following several days of discussions intended to cease the fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.

Rubio stated that the agreement establishes "a framework for lasting peace and security." However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the Israeli army would maintain its presence in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms. He added that the army would permit the Lebanese army to control two pilot zones south and north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the Israeli border.

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We are pleased to announce a framework agreement between the sovereign Lebanese government and the Israeli government, with the mediation and support of the United States.

Hezbollah, for its part, declared it would not accept disarmament and reiterated its demand for Israel's unconditional withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, mediated by the United States, began in Washington in mid-April, marking the first such talks in decades. The Lebanese government rejected Iran's involvement in the discussions, despite protests from the pro-Iranian group Hezbollah, which was also excluded from the talks by the Beirut government.

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The most important thing is that Israel remains in the security zone in southern Lebanon. This is a major achievement and we will maintain it as long as Hezbollah is not disarmed.