Beirut, Lebanon. Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a U.S.-mediated peace framework that would keep Israeli troops in occupied southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed and the Lebanese army restores control. Hezbollah has rejected the terms as surrender.
Framework terms
Israel and Lebanon affirmed each other’s right to exist in peace and security as sovereign neighboring states and said they intend to formally end any state of war between them. The two countries will continue U.S.-backed negotiations toward a broader peace agreement.
Under the framework, Lebanon’s armed forces, the LAF, would gradually restore control over all of Lebanon while disarming Hezbollah and any other militant group.
Initial phase and implementation
The first phase will begin in two pilot zones where reconstruction will start while civilians safely return to areas from which they fled Israeli attacks.
A future Security Annex, which is still being worked out, will define further details, including security arrangements and verification mechanisms. A coordination group with U.S. participation will oversee implementation.
Israeli troop presence
Israel said it has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon and that once Hezbollah is disarmed across Lebanon and no longer poses a threat, it will redeploy its troops outside Lebanon.
The arrangement means that while Israel will pull back some troops, it will not withdraw soon from the so-called security zone it currently occupies in southern Lebanon.
International support and other commitments
Washington will seek support from international partners to help Lebanon rebuild, repair infrastructure and restore the economy through humanitarian and construction aid, investment and recovery programs.
The two countries also agreed to halt all hostile or adverse actions in international political or legal fora and pledged to work toward the search for and return of remains and the release of detainees.
Background
After a year of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel, a November 2024 agreement between Israel and Lebanon was intended to end hostilities, ensure Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and lead to Hezbollah’s disarmament.
Lebanon’s government began confiscating Hezbollah weapons in southern Lebanon, but Israel said the results fell short of the agreement and gradually resumed attacks on the group.
