Israel and Lebanon reach a framework agreement; US mediator says deal is ‘first step’ to peace, text posted | Today’s news

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday (local time) that the United States had brokered a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon to promote “lasting peace and security”.

Under the agreement, the ceasefire would come into effect if Hezbollah stops all attacks and withdraws from southern Lebanon. The US State Department released the text of the agreement, which was finalized earlier in Washington, DC, Al Jazeera reported.

According to the second provision of the agreement, the governments of Israel and Lebanon “commit to a reciprocal, gradual process” in which the Lebanese army will “restore effective sovereign authority over all Lebanese territory”.

The agreement states that this process depends on the “verified disarmament of non-state armed groups and the dismantling of related infrastructure that will allow (the Israeli army) to gradually redeploy from Lebanese territory.”

What did Rubio say?

In a post on X, the State Department quoted Rubio as saying: “SECRETARY RUBIO: We are pleased to announce a framework agreement between the Sovereign Government of Lebanon and the Government of Israel, brokered and supported by the United States of America.

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According to Fox News, Rubio mentioned that restoring trust and stability will take a lot of effort and time, but called the deal the first and most difficult step toward that goal. He added that the Israeli people deserve to live in peace and security.

“Especially the residents of northern Israel, who have repeatedly been the target of terrorist attacks launched from the territory of Lebanon, but not by the Lebanese people, not by the Lebanese government, but by an external actor who tried to use this territory to target innocent civilians who cannot live in these places for a long time,” he added.

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Rubio said the constant threat of attacks has repeatedly disrupted daily life, forcing people to interrupt school, work and other activities to seek shelter in bunkers or basements. He described the agreement as the start of a long and difficult process, acknowledging that there is still a lot of work to be done, while stressing its importance. Rubio noted that the United States was honored to help put the deal together.

Israel, Lebanon react

Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh, commended the leaders for convening the talks.

“It was a long and difficult meeting. We are grateful to the host and both delegations for their cooperation during these talks. This milestone was made possible by the leadership of President Aoun, the tenacity of Prime Minister Salam, the tenacity of Ambassador Karam and the patriotism of the Lebanese Armed Forces. Thank you all very much,” she said.

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Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, said the discussions helped move forward an important and historic process.

“Your Excellencies, Ambassadors, Mr. Secretary, I would first like to express my appreciation to Secretary Rubio and his incredible team. Under his leadership, we have advanced President Trump’s vision of peace and security, peace through strength. We have moved forward in a historic and important process. In my opening remarks four days ago, I expressed my concern that this train had derailed and mentioned that I had moved.”

“Well, with a lot of hard work under your leadership, Dan, along with Secretary Rubio and his entire team, a tireless team, we’ve got the train back on track and going in the right direction,” he continued.

Leiter credited the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for their sacrifices in the confrontation with Iranian proxies. He said the deal would not have been possible without the resilience of the Israeli people, especially the residents of the northern Galilee, who remained steadfast despite Hezbollah attacks.

He also paid tribute to the men and women of the IDF, describing them as true heroes whose selfless service helped defend Israel, while noting that many had lost their lives fighting Iran and its proxies.