US Announces Framework Agreement Between Lebanon and Israel, But Details Remain Vague

Beirut, MINA – The United States has announced a framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, describing it as a preliminary step toward resolving long-standing hostilities, Al Mayadeen reported.

However, the deal has already drawn sharp criticism from Hezbollah, which has rejected any arrangement that would allow Israeli forces to remain in Lebanese territory.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the agreement on Friday, calling it “the beginning of the beginning” of a difficult process. He said the framework provides a legal basis for further discussions between the two sides.

Israel’s envoy to the US, Yechiel Leiter, hailed the deal as a victory, claiming it would push Iran and Hezbollah out of the equation and open the door to peace.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also celebrated the agreement, calling it a blow to Iran and insisting that Israel would not withdraw from southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed.

However, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem rejected any partial withdrawal, demanding that Israel leave every inch of Lebanese territory unconditionally. He warned Lebanese authorities against implementing US and Israeli demands and vowed to resist any measures that undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty.

The framework comes amid ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, where forces have advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory. The conflict has killed over 4,000 people and displaced more than one million since March.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the agreement, expressing gratitude to the US for its mediation efforts. But he faces significant domestic opposition, with Hezbollah and its allies threatening to confront any government attempt to enforce the deal.[]

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Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)