Israel and Lebanon Sign Framework Agreement on Ending Hostilities, Mediated by US
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Following five rounds of negotiations that spanned four days and were mediated by the United States, representatives from Lebanon and the Israeli regime signed a framework agreement. The agreement was signed in the presence of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Lebanese Ambassador to Washington Nadi Hamadeh, and Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter.
The American outlet Axios reported that the agreement includes several key provisions. Lebanon and the Israeli regime have declared their intent to permanently end hostilities and address their root causes. Both parties affirmed their right to enjoy peace as two independent states. Issues between them will be resolved through direct negotiations, with American mediation. The two sides committed to a reciprocal and conditional process for the deployment of the Lebanese army and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The specifics of this process will be detailed in a security annex currently being drafted with U.S. support. Successful implementation of the agreement’s mechanisms is expected to pave the way for a stable and peaceful relationship between Israel and Lebanon. The Lebanese army will gradually assume responsibility for security in designated pilot zones, ensuring that weapons are exclusively under state control. The armies of Lebanon and the Israeli regime have agreed on two initial pilot areas to commence the phased implementation of the agreement. Reconstruction of damaged areas will begin after disarmament of resistance groups in specified zones is verified. The return of Lebanese civilians will be permitted following the confirmation of security measures by the Lebanese government.
Axios, citing an Israeli official, reported that under the agreement, the Israeli regime would continue to occupy the “security zone” within the so-called Yellow Line in Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed and any threat from Lebanon is neutralized. An official Lebanese source told Al Jazeera that withdrawal from the two pilot zones would proceed according to a sequential timetable.
Regarding the location of the pilot zones, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that one of the two pilot areas is located outside the so-called “security belt,” while the other is in an area the occupying army does not desire. He added that Israel would not permit the return of Lebanese people to the occupied “security zone” and would remain in the area until Hezbollah is disarmed. Two Israeli officials told Axios that one of these areas is situated north of the Litani River and the other to its south. The Israeli army’s freedom of action throughout the security zone will be maintained to eliminate any type of threat.
This agreement effectively solidifies the Israeli regime’s occupation of southern Lebanon and its ongoing aggressions.
