Lebanon, Israel and US sign trilateral framework pact

Lebanon, Israel, and the United States have signed a trilateral framework agreement, marking a significant step toward potentially ending decades of conflict between the Middle East adversaries. The accord, reached after five rounds of talks in Washington D.C., outlines a path for lasting peace and security, according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

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It begins to put in place a framework for lasting peace and security. It’s the beginning of the beginning. There’s a lot of work ahead.

The agreement introduces a pilot initiative where Lebanese soldiers will assume control of two areas currently occupied by Israel. Crucially, it also establishes a framework for the disarmament of Hezbollah, a powerful non-state armed group that has been a major point of contention. This process is seen as essential for the Lebanese Armed Forces to restore sovereign authority over all Lebanese territory.

Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad of Lebanon described the accord as a "first step on the road to restoring Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity." Similarly, Israeli envoy Yechiel Leiter stated that the deal signifies "Iran is out, Hezbollah is out, and the road to peace between Israel and Lebanon is in." Both nations have declared their intent to conclusively end the conflict and formally conclude any state of war between them.

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It is a first step on the road to restoring Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, securing a permanent and final cessation of hostilities (and) enabling our people to go back to their land.

Despite the optimism surrounding the agreement, significant differences remain, particularly concerning Hezbollah's role and Israel's withdrawal. Hezbollah's leadership has insisted on a complete and unconditional Israeli withdrawal, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that major hurdles still need to be overcome. The agreement's text, released by the State Department, details a process for Israel's progressive redeployment once the disarmament of non-state armed groups is verified.

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Under the deal, Iran is out, Hezbollah is out, and the road to peace between Israel and Lebanon is in.