Lebanon, Israel sign US-backed framework agreement toward peace deal
Lebanon, Israel and the United States signed a trilateral framework agreement on Friday, marking a significant diplomatic step toward a potential peace agreement between the longtime regional adversaries.
The details of the agreement were not disclosed, but it follows five rounds of negotiations in Washington aimed at ending decades of hostilities and recent fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the agreement "begins to put in place a framework for lasting peace and security."
Officials welcome agreement
Lebanese Ambassador to Washington Nada Hamadeh Moawad described the accord as "a first step on the road to restoring Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, securing a permanent and final cessation of hostilities and enabling our people to go back to their land."
Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter said the agreement opens a path toward normalization, adding: "Iran is out, Hezbollah is out, and the road to peace between Israel and Lebanon is in."
Background
The agreement follows months of conflict that escalated after Israel launched airstrikes and a ground offensive in Lebanon in March. Lebanese authorities say the fighting has killed more than 4,200 people.
Under U.S. mediation, Lebanon and Israel began direct talks in Washington in April. An initial ceasefire announced on April 17 failed to end the fighting, but a new truce was declared earlier this month amid broader regional diplomatic efforts involving Washington and Tehran.
The framework agreement is seen as a foundation for future negotiations, though key issues remain unresolved and no timetable has been announced for a final peace deal.
Source:DailySabah
