U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a U.S.-brokered framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon following intensive negotiations in Washington, D.C. The United States, Israel, and Lebanon signed the trilateral framework deal in the American capital — the culmination of the fifth round of talks held under U.S. mediation.
A Step Toward De-escalation
The agreement outlines a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of southern Lebanon and the gradual deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces into those areas, with U.S. support. While the full text remains undisclosed, Rubio described the framework as intended to pave the way for “sustainable peace and security” along the Israel–Lebanon border.
National Sovereignty and Security Concerns
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the deal as a “significant achievement.” However, he emphasized that Israel will maintain its so-called “security zone” in southern Lebanon — a buffer area established during Israel’s 1982 invasion and reactivated amid recent hostilities. Netanyahu stressed that the zone would remain in place as long as Hezbollah remains armed and poses a threat to Israel’s security.
He also framed the agreement as a strategic rebuke to Iran, stating that the trilateral accord signals to Tehran — and to Hezbollah — that they have no legitimate role in Lebanon’s sovereignty or security arrangements. “Neither you, nor Hezbollah, nor any terrorist organization has a role in Lebanon,” Netanyahu said.
Under the framework, two pilot zones are to be established — one entirely south of the Litani River, outside the current security zone, and another north of the river, partially overlapping with Israel’s recently expanded security zone. Netanyahu clarified that the IDF does not require this expanded zone and intends to retain only the original security zone, positioned beyond the range of enemy fire.