Key facts
- Israel and Lebanon signed a 14-point framework agreement mediated by the US.
- The agreement aims to formally end the state of war between the two countries.
Israel and Lebanon signed a 14-point framework agreement to end their state of war, mediated by the US. The deal includes conditions on disarmament and Lebanese sovereignty, though Hezbollah criticized it. The signing occurred as Israeli forces bombed a town near the border.
The agreement marks a significant diplomatic step toward de-escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon, though recent border clashes and internal criticism highlight the fragility of the peace process.
Israel and Lebanon have signed a 14-point framework agreement at the US State Department, mediated by the United States, aiming to formally conclude their state of war. The agreement outlines a reciprocal and sequenced process where the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) will gradually restore sovereign authority over Lebanese territory, pending the verified disarmament of non-state armed groups, enabling a progressive redeployment of Israeli forces. Under the terms, the LAF will assume full security responsibility in agreed pilot zones, with reconstruction and the safe return of civilians to follow. Lebanon reaffirms its commitment to rebuilding the state's monopoly on the use of force and disarming all non-state armed groups, requesting support from international and Arab partners. Israel stated its military actions were a response to threats from non-state groups, particularly Hezbollah, and that their termination would eliminate the need for further IDF presence. Both governments affirmed their right to self-defense and committed to a military coordination group with US support. The US will also mobilize international partners to support Lebanon's reconstruction and humanitarian assistance. Lebanon and the US pledged to block funds to non-state armed actors, with Lebanon specifically committing to prevent reconstruction funds from reaching such groups. Working groups will be established to draft a comprehensive peace and security agreement, with both nations committing to good faith measures and the search for remains and release of detainees. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah criticized the agreement, stating Lebanese authorities could not enforce it without risking civil war. The Israeli military will reduce its forces in southern Lebanon, withdraw some combat brigades and increase its readiness levels, according to Israeli Army Radio. The army is also expected to begin rotating brigades between the Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon in the coming period as part of its operational adjustments. Israeli forces overnight bombed a place in the town of Markaba, located about 1.5km from the Israel-Lebanon border, the state-owned National News Agency (NNA) reported.