Lebanon, Israel, US sign trilateral framework agreement in Washington

Lebanon, Israel, and the United States have signed a trilateral framework agreement in Washington, D.C., intended to lay the groundwork for a peace deal between the two nations. The agreement, a result of five rounds of talks in the U.S. capital, includes a pilot initiative where Lebanese soldiers will assume control of two areas currently occupied by Israel. It also outlines a process for disarming the militant group Hezbollah. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the accord as the "beginning of the beginning" for lasting peace and security, acknowledging that substantial work remains. Lebanon's ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, viewed the agreement as a crucial first step toward restoring Lebanese sovereignty, territorial integrity, and achieving a permanent cessation of hostilities. Israel's envoy to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, expressed optimism, stating that the deal removes Iran and Hezbollah from the equation, clearing a path for peace between Israel and Lebanon. Despite the agreement, significant differences persist between Israel and Hezbollah, a powerful armed group integrated into the Lebanese government. Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem reiterated calls for Israel's complete and unconditional withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, stated that Israel would not withdraw until Hezbollah disarms. Details of the agreement suggest that Israel's military will permit the Lebanese Army to take control of two "pilot areas" south and north of Lebanon's Litani River. This aligns with Lebanon's embassy statement that the deal includes provisions for disarming non-state armed groups. Secretary Rubio indicated that the U.S. would facilitate a structured process for disarming Hezbollah and its infrastructure, committing $100 million in humanitarian assistance.

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It's the beginning of the beginning. There's a lot of work ahead.