Jerusalem, June 27 (EFE).- Israel and Lebanon signed a US-brokered framework agreement in Washington this week outlining a roadmap toward a lasting peace, including an Israeli military withdrawal, expanded deployment of the Lebanese army and the disarmament of non-state armed groups.
Hezbollah, however, has rejected the deal, calling it a concession to Israel.
The document, published by the US Department of State, lays out broad political and security commitments but leaves many practical details unresolved.
Security arrangements
A key provision of the agreement refers to a confidential Security Annex that has not been made public.
Under the framework, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) will gradually assume control of designated «pilot areas» in southern Lebanon.
Those areas are intended to serve as the basis for a phased withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
According to the agreement, the two militaries have already identified two initial pilot zones. Additional areas will be agreed upon jointly.
The Lebanese army will take full responsibility only after the disarmament of non-state armed groups and the dismantling of their military infrastructure in those zones has been verified.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement would allow Israeli troops to withdraw from two areas in southern Lebanon, one north and one south of the Litani River.
But he reiterated that Israel would not complete its withdrawal until Hezbollah had been disarmed and no longer posed what he described as a security threat.
Hezbollah’s rejection
Hezbollah has firmly rejected the agreement.
The group’s lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah described the framework as «a gift to the Israeli enemy» by the Lebanese government and said it would not affect Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
Although Hezbollah is mentioned only once in the document, the agreement commits the Lebanese government to exercising full sovereignty over its territory and achieving the complete disarmament of all non-state armed groups.
Reconstruction and monitoring
The agreement provides that reconstruction of affected areas will begin only after the Lebanese army has assumed control, with financial and technical support from the international community.
It also states that civilians will be allowed to return to these areas once they are under the exclusive authority of the Lebanese state, with implementation monitored by the United States.
Washington further commits to mobilizing international support for Lebanon’s reconstruction, including humanitarian assistance, economic recovery programs and investment initiatives, while preventing reconstruction funds from reaching armed groups or affiliated entities.
Self-defence and future negotiations
The framework explicitly states that nothing in the agreement limits the inherent right of either Israel or Lebanon to self-defense.
It also establishes a military coordination group, supported by the United States, to oversee implementation.
Finally, the parties agreed to establish working groups tasked with negotiating a comprehensive peace and security treaty.
Until such an agreement is reached, both governments commit to negotiating in good faith toward what the document describes as «a full and lasting peace» that ensures security, stability and prosperity for both peoples.
Unanswered questions
While the framework outlines broad political and security objectives, it does not include a timetable for implementation or specify how the Lebanese Armed Forces will assume responsibilities currently exercised by Hezbollah.
Those issues are expected to be addressed during the implementation phase and in the confidential Security Annex, which has not yet been released. EFE
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