Rubio announces framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon

Lebanon and Israel have reached a framework agreement intended to pave the way for lasting peace, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in Washington. The deal, signed by Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad and Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter in Rubio's presence, marks a significant step following weeks of U.S.-mediated negotiations.

Rubio described the agreement as a crucial first step toward "permanent peace" between the two nations. The signing occurred despite recent Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, which had heightened concerns about the talks' potential collapse. The pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia, a key player in the region's conflict, was not involved in the negotiations and has rejected the agreement.

A ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, in place since June 19, has been largely observed, providing a more stable environment for the discussions. The Lebanese government's primary objective is the withdrawal of Israeli troops from its territory. Conversely, Israel insists on the disarmament of Hezbollah as a condition for its withdrawal.

Hezbollah's leadership has publicly stated that Israel must leave Lebanon unconditionally. The militia's stance complicates the implementation of the agreement, as Israel has repeatedly emphasized that a full disarmament of Hezbollah is a prerequisite for any troop pullout. A statement from Hezbollah regarding the newly signed framework agreement was not immediately available.

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The agreement is a first step toward 'permanent peace' between the two countries.