The French newspaper “Les Echos” commented on the framework agreement signed by Israel and Lebanon on Friday in Washington, with the mediation and support of the United States, saying that this agreement, which the US Secretary of State described as a step towards “lasting peace and security”, represents symbolic progress, but faces major challenges at the level of implementation, especially in light of the continued tensions with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah.
The United States encouraged direct talks between the two governments, despite the ongoing fighting with Hezbollah, reiterating its view of the group's illegitimacy as an Iranian-backed organization. While the memorandum of understanding is largely symbolic, implementing its principles appears complex and may depend on the extent of Hezbollah's commitment.
The agreement includes the possibility of Israeli forces withdrawing from specific areas in southern Lebanon, in exchange for the Lebanese government's commitment to demonstrate its ability to disarm Hezbollah, which the parties considered a "difficult but necessary" path.
The agreement includes the possibility of an Israeli troop withdrawal from specific areas in southern Lebanon, in exchange for a commitment from the Lebanese government to demonstrate its ability to disarm Hezbollah.
Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Mouawad praised the agreement as “the first step towards restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The tripartite agreement is expected to stipulate the withdrawal of the Israeli army from two specific areas, in exchange for Lebanon demonstrating its ability to effectively disarm Hezbollah. Marco Rubio noted that “the path will undoubtedly be difficult, but it is important, fundamental, and necessary.”
The recent military operations have resulted in significant human losses and widespread displacement, at a time when ceasefires remain fragile, amid escalating regional tensions between Iran and the United States, and their impact on the situation in Lebanon.
Israel launched a military campaign in southern Lebanon in early March after being attacked by the Lebanese group Hezbollah in retaliation for the war in Iran. The initial ceasefire, declared on April 17, was largely ignored despite several attempts to implement it. The new agreement reaffirms the need for a truce and mandates the withdrawal of all fighters from southern Lebanon, according to US media reports.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed more than 4,200 people, according to Lebanese authorities, while Israel has reported the deaths of 32 soldiers and four civilians. Israeli forces have deployed in the south of the country, where more than a million people have been displaced since the fighting began. These forces control a “security zone” approximately ten kilometers deep along the border.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement following the signing of the agreement: “We will not allow Hezbollah to enter, nor will we allow civilians to enter.” The Israeli ambassador to the United States added: “Iran is excluded, Hezbollah is excluded, and the path to peace between Israel and Lebanon is now open.”
For its part, the Lebanese Hezbollah party opposed the Washington-sponsored negotiations from the outset. Its leader, Naim Qassem, demanded an “unconditional” withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, raising doubts about the continuation of hostilities.
The war in Lebanon is reigniting tensions between Tehran and Washington, and consequently between Washington and Tel Aviv. The agreement between Iran and the United States stipulates a ceasefire encompassing all fronts of the conflict, which Iran considers to be covered by Israeli operations against Hezbollah. Recent Israeli strikes have prompted Donald Trump to intensify his criticism of his ally, Benjamin Netanyahu.
However, the US president's anger turned on Tehran on Friday after Iranian forces launched drones at ships in the Strait of Hormuz that had not requested permission to pass. Trump wrote on his Truth platform: "This is an irresponsible violation of the ceasefire agreement."
In response, the US Central Command announced that the US military had bombed drone storage facilities, missile sites, and coastal radar installations. These developments represent the biggest test of the ceasefire since the agreement between the two countries was signed just ten days prior.
