Key facts
- Israel will remain in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- A framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, brokered by the United States, was announced.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the deal as a significant step towards restoring Lebanon's sovereignty and disarming Hezbollah.
- Hezbollah has rejected the agreement, stating it serves Israel's interests.
- Netanyahu characterized the deal as a blow to Iran, which he said sought an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that Israel will maintain its presence in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms, following the declaration of a framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Netanyahu described the deal as a significant setback for Iran, which he claimed aimed to compel an Israeli withdrawal from the region.
The framework agreement, reached with the mediation of the United States, was the result of five rounds of talks hosted by the Trump administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the agreement as "the beginning of the beginning," stating that it establishes a clear process to restore Lebanon's sovereignty, disarm Hezbollah, and dismantle its infrastructure, thereby enabling Israel to return to its borders once the threat is removed.