Israel and Lebanon signed a U.S.-mediated framework agreement on Friday following four days of negotiations in Washington, setting out a phased approach aimed at reducing tensions and laying the groundwork for a potential future peace deal.
The agreement represents a significant diplomatic step but faces major uncertainty over implementation, particularly given Hezbollah’s continued armed presence and political influence in Lebanon. The framework envisions, over time, ending Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon and restoring Lebanese territorial control, though officials acknowledged that outcome remains distant.
Under the plan, Israel would maintain a security zone inside the so-called “Yellow Line” until Hezbollah and other armed groups are disarmed and no longer pose a threat. Israeli officials emphasized that military freedom of action in the area would be preserved during the transition period.
The deal also outlines initial “pilot projects” in which Israeli forces would withdraw from limited areas they currently occupy, while the Lebanese army would deploy in their place. U.S. military personnel are expected to assist in coordinating these steps and verifying that Hezbollah forces are not present in the designated zones. The pilot areas include locations north and south of the Litani River.
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has largely held since last week, though Israeli forces have continued limited strikes against what they describe as imminent threats. The new framework would mark the first structured withdrawal steps since Israel expanded its presence in southern Lebanon during recent conflict.
The agreement was formally signed in Washington by the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors along with a senior U.S. State Department official. U.S. officials described the initiative as an effort to create a structured path toward restoring Lebanese sovereignty, dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, and enabling Israel’s eventual return to internationally recognized borders.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the accord marked “a good day” but cautioned that “there is a lot of work ahead,” adding that the United States would provide humanitarian aid and training support for Lebanese forces as part of the process.
Israeli representatives described the agreement as conditional and performance-based, saying the ultimate goal is “real peace” and insisting that progress depends on the removal of Hezbollah’s military threat.
The deal drew criticism from Hezbollah-aligned figures, who warned that enforcing the terms could lead to internal conflict within Lebanon.
Behind the scenes, U.S. officials said negotiations required direct intervention at senior levels, including calls involving U.S., Israeli, and Lebanese leaders to resolve final sticking points before the signing.
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