Israel, Lebanon and the US have signed a landmark framework agreement to advance future peace talks, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing an Israeli troop withdrawal from two areas in southern Lebanon.
Israel-Lebanon Peace Push Netanyahu Confirms Withdrawal From Two Areas (Source: X)
US Israel Iran War Latest News: The United States, Israel and Lebanon signed a trilateral framework agreement on Friday, marking an important diplomatic breakthrough that could pave the way for a future peace deal between Israel and Lebanon.
The agreement was reached after four days of negotiations in Washington and is being viewed as the first major step toward reducing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.
US Calls Agreement First Step Towards Peace
Announcing the agreement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described it as the beginning of a long process aimed at achieving lasting peace. “We are happy to announce a framework agreement between the sovereign government of Lebanon and, of course, the government of Israel, with the mediation and support of the United States of America,” Rubio said during the signing ceremony.
While welcoming the breakthrough, Rubio cautioned that significant challenges remain before a final peace agreement can be reached. Calling it the “beginning of the beginning,” he said, “There is a lot of work ahead. We do not, in any way, underestimate the difficulty of the task. But we understand how important this is, and we are honoured to help bring it together.”
Lebanon’s Ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, also welcomed the agreement, describing it as the “first step” toward restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Netanyahu Announces Israeli Troop Withdrawal
Shortly after the agreement was signed, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) would withdraw from two positions in southern Lebanon.
One of the positions is located north of the Litani River, while the other lies south of the river. In a recorded video message, Netanyahu said the Israeli military would leave areas it “does not need” to continue controlling.
However, he made it clear that Israeli forces would remain in other strategic locations across southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is fully disarmed. Netanyahu also described the agreement as a major strategic success for Israel and said it weakened Iran’s regional influence.
“Iran is trying to force us into a withdrawal from southern Lebanon by force. Israel, Lebanon and the United States are telling them: this is none of your business,” he said. Israel continues to maintain military control over several areas in southern Lebanon, including territory south of the Litani River.
What Does the Framework Agreement Include?
According to Axios, the agreement includes two pilot projects that will test the new security arrangements. Under the plan, Israeli forces will withdraw from two limited areas currently under their control in southern Lebanon.
Once Israeli troops leave, the Lebanese Armed Forces will move into those locations. US military personnel will oversee the deployment to ensure Hezbollah fighters do not return to or operate from the designated zones. The two pilot areas are situated on opposite sides of the Litani River, with one located to the north and the other to the south.
Israeli officials described the move as limited but highly significant because it represents Israel’s first withdrawal from territory captured during its expanded military campaign in southern Lebanon.
Fighting Continues Despite Diplomatic Progress
Although the agreement marks a diplomatic milestone, military clashes have not completely stopped. The Israeli military said on Friday that it killed seven Hezbollah operatives who were allegedly operating near the occupied area. Reuters said it could not independently verify the claim.
The current conflict began on March 2 after the Iran-backed Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli territory, days after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Israel responded with a large-scale air and ground offensive across Lebanon.
According to available figures, the fighting has killed more than 4,000 people in Lebanon and forced over one million people to leave their homes.
On the Israeli side, at least 32 soldiers and four civilians have been killed. Hezbollah has not released official casualty figures, although a Reuters report published in May estimated that the group has lost thousands of fighters during the conflict.
US-Iran Talks Continue Alongside Peace Efforts
The Israel-Lebanon agreement comes as the United States and Iran continue separate diplomatic negotiations. Both countries have already signed a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the broader regional conflict and are currently engaged in a 60-day negotiation process.
The talks focus on Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides attempting to reduce tensions while pursuing longer-term diplomatic solutions.
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