Lebanon President Says Israel Deal First Step to Restoring Sovereignty

Lebanon and Israel have signed a framework agreement in Washington, D.C., marking a significant step towards ending the recent hostilities. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun hailed the deal as the "first step" toward fully restoring his country's sovereignty. He emphasized that the agreement will enable Lebanese citizens to return to their liberated lands and rebuilt homes under the full sovereignty of the Lebanese state.

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The framework agreement signed today is a first step that will enable Lebanese to return to their fully liberated lands, and to their certainly rebuilt homes... under the sovereignty of the Lebanese state that has no partner in its sovereignty over its land and people.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam echoed these sentiments, stating the agreement's goal is to secure Israel's withdrawal from all Lebanese territory and facilitate the return of displaced Lebanese people. He expressed anticipation for Israel's withdrawal, allowing citizens to return with safety and dignity and for reconstruction efforts to begin.

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We swear to continue to work until this is fully achieved. There will be no more occupation, prisoners, subordination or tutelage.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who facilitated the talks, acknowledged the journey ahead but stressed the agreement's importance. He stated it establishes a clear process for restoring Lebanon's sovereignty, disarming Hezbollah, and dismantling its infrastructure. The U.S. plans to support the implementation through a trilateral "Military Coordination Group for Lebanon," committing $100 million in humanitarian aid and over $30 million to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces' capabilities.

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The agreement aims to achieve Israel's withdrawal from all Lebanese territory, restore state sovereignty over it and see the return of displaced Lebanese.

However, the agreement faces internal opposition. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah warned that Lebanese officials involved in signing the deal risk sparking a civil war if they attempt to enforce it without broad consensus. He criticized the Washington talks as an attempt to disrupt existing peace efforts, highlighting the deep divisions within Lebanon regarding the agreement with Israel.

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I look forward to the blessed moment when Israel begins to withdraw -- so that our dear people can return to their homes with safety and dignity -- and to the launch of reconstruction efforts.