WASHINGTION: Peace Framework Signed by Israel and Lebanon
On Friday, Israel and Lebanon took a significant step towards peace by signing a framework agreement in Washington. The signing followed several days of discussions aimed at ending the ongoing conflict involving Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.
The agreement was officially signed by Lebanese Ambassador Nada Moawad and Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, along with U.S. representatives at the State Department.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the signing an important first step towards peace, acknowledging it would be a challenging journey ahead.
The tensions between Israel and Hezbollah escalated on March 2 when Hezbollah attacked Israel shortly after U.S. and Israeli operations targeted Iran. These actions led to retaliatory air and ground strikes by Israel, claiming over 4,000 lives in Lebanon and displacing over a million people.
While details of the agreement remain unclear, it is noted that this framework may differ from a previous ceasefire deal reached on April 16. Ambassador Moawad emphasized the significance of restoring Lebanese sovereignty and allowing people to return to their homes in peace.
Ambassador Leiter praised Moawad’s dedication in negotiations, mentioning that the new framework excludes Iran and Hezbollah, paving the way for a more peaceful relationship.
Neither official took questions from the media after the signing. During this latest round of conflict, Israel reported at least 32 soldiers and four civilians had died. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has not disclosed its casualty figures.
Discussions in Washington also touched on the possibility of Israel withdrawing from certain areas in southern Lebanon, which they currently occupy. While a U.S. official indicated that Israel agreed to some troop reductions, both Israeli and Lebanese officials denied this report.
Before the talks resumed this week, a temporary ceasefire had been established, even as Israel maintained its military presence in southern Lebanon, which they refer to as a “buffer zone.”
Despite the ceasefire, violence has continued. Recently, Israeli forces stated they targeted and killed seven Hezbollah members near the occupied area; this report remains unverified.
Additionally, Israeli forces dropped leaflets over the southern Lebanese town of Mansouri, instructing residents to evacuate. This marks the first such notice since the ceasefire began.
A Lebanese military source revealed that Mansouri is now part of the area under Israeli control. While local farmers were coming and going from the town, they had not been residing there.
An Israeli military spokesperson clarified that the leaflets served as a reminder for residents to avoid the area for their safety, as it falls within a security zone where Israeli forces operate. In contrast, Lebanese officials reported that Israeli troops were aggressively enforcing the boundaries of this zone.
