Israel and Lebanon Sign Framework Deal, But Troops Stay Until Hezbollah Disarms
Israel and Lebanon have signed a US-brokered framework agreement, marking a diplomatic step forward. However, the situation on the ground remains tense, with Israeli forces still occupying about 5% of Lebanese territory and cross-border fire continuing, albeit at reduced intensity.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the framework as a first step towards restoring sovereignty. Shortly after the signing, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms. He said Israel is "allowing the Lebanese army to begin organising to take over some territory" in two pilot zones — one south of the Litani River and another north of it.
Hezbollah is not a party to the agreement, and it is unclear whether the group will withdraw its fighters from the area south of the Litani. Israeli strikes on targets in southern Lebanon have continued, threatening to derail the peace process.
US President Donald Trump has publicly criticised Netanyahu and Israel's conduct in the conflict, though he also affirmed Israel's right to self-defence. Trump claimed he can "control Israel from attacking Lebanon", saying in an interview, "They have a lot of respect for me. They do as I say."
The conflict began on 2 March when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike that killed a senior Iranian commander. Israel responded with an air campaign and ground invasion. A US-brokered ceasefire on 16 April failed to stop the fighting. In June, both sides agreed to renew the fragile ceasefire, with US help in establishing pilot zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces would take exclusive control.
Earlier on Friday, Trump accused Iran of a "foolish violation" of the truce after a cargo ship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has not issued an official response. US Central Command subsequently struck missile and drone storage facilities and coastal radar positions.
