Israel and Lebanon sign US-backed framework agreement to end decades of hostility

Israel, Lebanon and the United States on Friday signed a trilateral framework agreement aimed at creating a pathway towards a future peace deal between the two countries, which have remained locked in decades of conflict.

The agreement, whose details were not made public, follows five rounds of negotiations held in Washington focused on reducing tensions and addressing the aftermath of weeks of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at the signing ceremony, said the agreement represented an important step towards a more permanent arrangement.

“This begins to put in place a framework for lasting peace and security,” Rubio said.

Lebanon’s ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, described the accord as an initial step towards restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while working towards a permanent end to hostilities and allowing displaced residents to return home.

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Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, said the agreement would remove Iranian influence and Hezbollah’s presence from the equation, adding that it opened the way for improved relations between Israel and Lebanon.

The latest round of fighting began after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel on March 2, shortly after the United States and Israel carried out strikes against Iran. Israel responded with extensive air and ground operations in Lebanon.

The conflict has killed more than 4,000 people in Lebanon and displaced over a million residents, according to reports. Israel has reported the deaths of at least 32 soldiers and four civilians during the latest hostilities. Hezbollah has not released figures for its losses.

Negotiations in Washington have included discussions over a possible withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of southern Lebanon currently under Israeli control, with Lebanese forces expected to take over those areas.

A US State Department official said Israel had agreed to withdraw from some territory, though Israeli and Lebanese officials disputed that account.

Despite the ceasefire, tensions have continued along the border. Israel said on Friday that its forces had killed seven Hezbollah members operating near areas occupied by Israeli troops, a claim that could not be independently verified.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces dropped leaflets over the southern Lebanese town of Mansouri, warning residents to leave, according to Lebanese state media. It was the first such evacuation order since the latest ceasefire came into effect.

An Israeli military spokesperson said the message was a reminder that the area remained part of a security zone where Israeli troops were operating. Lebanese officials, however, accused Israel of restricting movement and firing at those approaching the zone, including civilians and Lebanese soldiers.

With inputs from agencies