US, Lebanon, Israel Sign Framework Agreement

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel on Friday, following several days of talks in Washington. The U.S.-mediated deal aims to end the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon.

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We are happy to announce a framework agreement between the sovereign government of Lebanon and, of course, the government of Israel, with a mediation and support of the United States of America.

Nada Hamadeh, Lebanon's ambassador to the U.S., and Yechiel Leiter, Israel's ambassador to the U.S., signed the trilateral document at the State Department. This agreement marks the first direct political-level talks between the two nations since 1983, stemming from five rounds of negotiations.

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begins to put in place a framework for lasting peace and security.

While specific details remain undisclosed, reports suggest the agreement may involve Israeli forces handing over some territory in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese military. Israel maintains a security buffer zone, which Lebanon views as an occupation. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the agreement a "first step" toward liberating lands and rebuilding homes under Lebanese sovereignty.

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framework agreement signed today is a first step

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would maintain its security zone, preventing Hezbollah and civilians from entering. Both Israel and Hezbollah have accused each other of violating previous ceasefires, though they agreed to a halt in fire before these latest talks.

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we are maintaining the original security zone at all times, outside the range of anti-tank fire. We are not allowing Hezbollah to enter it, nor are we allowing the civilian population to enter.