The document, signed on 26/6, emerged from five rounds of negotiations in Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the agreement would establish a framework for "lasting peace and security," while emphasizing it was merely "the beginning of the beginning" with much work ahead.

Lebanese Ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh Moawad hailed the agreement as a vital first step toward restoring Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, permanently ending hostilities, and enabling its citizens to return home.

Conversely, Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter declared the exclusion of "Iran and Hezbollah" and the opening of a "path to peace" between Israel and Lebanon.

The signing ceremony for the tripartite framework agreement between the US, Israel, and Lebanon in Washington on 26/6. Photo: AP

The US Department of State released the agreement's terms, which state Israel and Lebanon "declare their intention to fully end the conflict, resolve root causes, thereby formally concluding all states of war between the two parties."

The agreement also outlines a process for the Lebanese army to reclaim control over national territory, contingent on "verified disarmament of non-state armed groups," particularly Hezbollah. This provision facilitates the Israeli army's "gradual withdrawal from Lebanese territory."

Despite the agreement, significant differences persist between Israel and the Hezbollah armed group. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, on 26/6, asserted that Tel Aviv "has no other option" but to withdraw completely and unconditionally from Lebanese territory.

In a pre-recorded video shared with the press immediately after the announcement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would not withdraw from Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms.

Prior to the agreement's release, Netanyahu indicated that Israeli forces would permit the Lebanese army to assume territorial control in two "pilot areas," situated south and north of the Litani river.

The agreement stipulates that the Lebanese army will "assume full and effective security responsibility in these areas, reconstruction with international community support will begin, and the Lebanese people will be able to return to these areas safely."

Location of Israel, Lebanon, and the Litani river. Graphic: RANE

Secretary Rubio explained that the agreement establishes a clear, structured process for disarming Hezbollah and its infrastructure. He added that a US-backed military working group would aid in its implementation.

Washington pledged 100 million USD in humanitarian aid, coordinated with the United Nations, and 30 million USD to the Lebanese army to "improve its capabilities."

Lebanon became embroiled in the Middle East conflict on 2/3 when Hezbollah fired rockets into Israeli territory. This act retaliated for the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel airstrike. Israel responded with airstrikes across Lebanon and deployed troops into the southern part of the neighboring country.

Pham Giang (According to AFP)