WASHINGTON – In a significant diplomatic move, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon, announced a framework agreement on Friday. This agreement is seen as a pivotal first step towards peace amidst the ongoing conflict involving Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
The specifics of the agreement, which was signed by Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, and Nada Hamadeh, the Lebanese ambassador, have not been disclosed. However, both officials expressed optimism about its potential impact on regional stability.
Ambassador Hamadeh emphasized that this framework is a crucial step toward restoring Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity. She stated that it aims to secure a lasting cessation of hostilities, allowing Lebanese citizens to return to their homes and live in peace and prosperity.
Leiter echoed these sentiments, highlighting the goal of achieving true peace between Israel and Lebanon, where both nations can coexist securely and respect each other’s sovereignty. He remarked, “In this performance-based trilateral framework agreement, Iran is out. Hezbollah is out. And the road to peace between Israel and Lebanon is in.”
The recent conflict escalated following Hezbollah’s rocket attacks into Israel on February 28, coinciding with the onset of a military campaign by Israel and the U.S. against Iran. Since then, Israeli strikes have reportedly resulted in over 4,000 deaths in Lebanon, while at least 37 Israeli soldiers have died in the ongoing clashes.
Despite a brief lull in hostilities earlier this week, tensions resurfaced as Israel conducted strikes targeting Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon. Notably, Hezbollah was not included in the recent negotiations, which have previously led to ceasefire agreements that failed to materialize on the ground.
Lebanese officials have emphasized the importance of securing a withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. Conversely, Israeli authorities have expressed a commitment to the disarmament of Hezbollah, which they view as a significant barrier to peace.
In a recent statement, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun indicated that discussions are underway regarding “pilot zones” where the Lebanese army would assume control following the withdrawal of Israeli troops. He clarified that these negotiations are distinct from the Iran-U.S. talks occurring in Switzerland.
An anonymous Israeli official noted that ongoing negotiations with Lebanon include considerations for the redeployment of Israeli forces contingent upon the disarmament of Hezbollah and the clearance of its infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
However, Hezbollah remains unlikely to acquiesce to disarmament plans that extend beyond the area south of the Litani River, near the Israeli border, asserting that their obligations are governed by prior agreements and U.N. resolutions.
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Lidman reported from Tel Aviv. Associated Press writer Abby Sewell in Beirut contributed to this report.
