New Israel-Lebanon agreement adopts 'trust, but verify' strategy - analysis

The United States has successfully facilitated an agreement between Israel and Lebanon, known as the "Trilateral Framework," marking a significant diplomatic achievement. This accord, finalized after multiple rounds of talks involving US, Israeli, and Lebanese representatives, aims to end the conflict between the two nations and foster peaceful neighborly relations.

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The two countries declare their ambition to end conflict between them, ensure the sovereignty and security of both countries, and establish peaceful neighborly relations between the two countries.

The core of the agreement hinges on Lebanon demonstrating its ability to rein in Hezbollah. The framework outlines a reciprocal, sequenced process where the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) will restore sovereign authority over all Lebanese territory. This is contingent upon the verified disarmament of non-state armed groups and the dismantling of their infrastructure, which will allow the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to progressively withdraw.

A key element is Lebanon's commitment to a "monopoly of arms and sovereign territorial control." The Lebanese army is tasked with reasserting control in designated "pilot zones," serving as a mechanism for phased Israeli redeployments and LAF deployments. The ultimate goal is the complete disarmament and dismantlement of Hezbollah, though the group is not explicitly named in the document. Lebanon officially rejects any non-state actor's claim to use force on its behalf, deeming such actions illegal and contrary to national interests.

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Israel and Lebanon affirm the right of each state to exist in peace, and their mutual desire to live in security as neighboring sovereign states.

The agreement emphasizes that both Israel and Lebanon affirm each state's right to exist in peace and their mutual desire for security. The US Department of State stated the framework's ambition is for the two countries to "declare their ambition to end conflict between them, ensure the sovereignty and security of both countries, and establish peaceful neighborly relations between the two countries."

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The Government of Lebanon rejects the claims of any state or non-state actor to use force on its behalf without its explicit authorization, and reiterates that any claim by any state or non-state actor to exercise a military or security role is illegal per the decisions of the Lebanese Government and contrary to Lebanese national interests.