Netanyahu Hails US-Brokered Lebanon Agreement as Historic

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed a trilateral framework agreement signed on Friday by Lebanon, Israel, and the United States, aimed at achieving a peace deal between the two nations. Netanyahu described the agreement as a historic achievement that dealt a setback to Iran and Hezbollah, stating,

Yesterday … we achieved a historic deal for the state of Israel after direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.

The agreement, reached after five rounds of talks in Washington, includes a trial plan for Lebanese soldiers to take control of two areas currently held by Israel and a process to disarm Hezbollah. According to the agreement, both countries expressed their intent to end the conflict and formally conclude any state of war between them. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun characterized the agreement as "a first step" toward restoring his country's sovereignty.

However, Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir rejected the agreement, asserting that Lebanon could not be trusted to disarm Hezbollah. He stated on his Telegram channel,

The agreement with Lebanon is a big mistake… Only IDF soldiers will destroy Hezbollah, no other party will do it for us.

The mixed reactions highlight the complexities surrounding the implementation of the agreement and the ongoing tensions in the region.

The deal aims to establish a process for the Lebanese Armed Forces to restore authority over all Lebanese territory, contingent on the disarmament of Hezbollah. The U.S. has played a crucial role in facilitating this agreement, which is seen as a potential turning point for Israeli-Lebanese relations. For further context, see this article.

Related coverage: Hezbollah Rejects Israel-Lebanon Agreement Amid Tensions.