Lebanon and Israel sign US-brokered framework laying groundwork for lasting peace

WASHINGTON (MNTV) — Lebanon and Israel on Friday signed a U.S.-sponsored framework agreement in Washington, capping a fifth round of negotiations aimed at settling longstanding disputes between the two nations, including Israel’s ongoing occupation of parts of southern Lebanon.

While no details were disclosed during the signing ceremony itself, the U.S. Department of State subsequently released the full text of the agreement.

The framework sets out a mutual objective of securing “lasting peace and security” in Lebanon, expressing both sides’ desire to bring an end to hostilities, safeguard the sovereignty and security of each country, and build peaceful relations as neighbors.

Israel continues to hold territory in southern Lebanon, some of it occupied for decades and additional areas seized during the 2023–2024 war, when Israeli forces pushed more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese land.

Since March 2, 2026, Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon has claimed over 4,000 lives, left more than 12,000 wounded, and uprooted over one million people, according to official Lebanese tallies.

Below are the central provisions of Friday’s framework:

• Both nations declare their intention to end the conflict, formally conclude any state of war, and resolve remaining disagreements through direct, U.S.-facilitated dialogue.
• The two sides commit to a phased process under which the Lebanese military reasserts authority across the country, non-state armed factions are disbanded, and Israeli forces progressively pull back from Lebanese soil.
• The Lebanese army will assume control of two designated pilot zones once armed groups operating there have been disarmed, paving the way for staged Israeli withdrawals, reconstruction work, and the return of displaced civilians. Additional zones will be established by mutual agreement.
• Lebanon pledges to reclaim full sovereignty over its territory, dismantle all non-state armed groups, and ensure the government holds exclusive authority over the use of force, with backing from a U.S.-led coalition of international and Arab partners.
• Israel affirms it harbors no territorial claims in Lebanon and maintains that the disarmament of Hezbollah and other armed factions would remove any justification for future Israeli military operations or presence on Lebanese territory.
• Lebanon reiterates that national security and defense fall solely under the responsibility of its state security apparatus, ruling out the use of force by any state or non-state actor on its behalf without explicit government authorization.
• Both countries uphold their right to self-defense while stipulating that no third party may act on either’s behalf. They also agree to create a U.S.-supported military coordination body to oversee the framework’s implementation.
• The two sides envision a secure Lebanon under complete state control, free from any armed group capable of threatening either nation. They regard the deployment of the Lebanese army, the return of civilians, and the restoration of security in northern Israel as pillars of a durable peace.
• Washington commits to bolstering the Lebanese military’s authority nationwide and supporting the disarmament process, with any new aid contingent on verifiable progress, transparency, and proper oversight.
• The United States will also rally international partners to assist in rebuilding Lebanon’s infrastructure and economy through reconstruction funding, humanitarian aid, and investment aimed at long-term recovery.
• Lebanon and the U.S. pledge to ensure that reconstruction funds do not flow to non-state armed groups or their affiliates, and to pursue legal action against such entities.
• The two countries will form U.S.-facilitated working groups and open direct channels of engagement to negotiate a comprehensive peace and security agreement.
• As confidence-building measures, both governments commit to ceasing hostile actions in international forums and cooperating on the return of human remains and the release of detainees.
• Finally, both nations acknowledge Washington’s role in advancing the peace process, expressing appreciation for the leadership of President Donald Trump.