SouthernWorldwide.com – Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have welcomed a U.S.-brokered framework agreement between Jerusalem and Lebanon, announced on Friday. They heralded it as a significant first step towards peace and a move that rejects Iranian interference in the region.
This breakthrough agreement could pave the way for diplomatic normalization between Lebanon and Israel, two nations formally in a state of war. Experts suggest that the framework might also impede Hezbollah, the Iran-backed terrorist movement that has increasingly gained control over parts of the Lebanese state.
Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in conflicts, including two wars since the terrorist organization’s involvement in the October 7, 2023 Hamas invasion of Israel, and subsequent U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran in February.
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Rubio stated, “Today is a good day in that we are happy to announce a framework agreement between the sovereign government of Lebanon and, of course, the government of Israel, with a mediation and support of the United States of America, that begins to put in place a framework for lasting peace and security.”
He emphasized, “And that’s what these two nations deserve.”
According to the Press Service of Israel (TPS-IL), Prime Minister Netanyahu described the deal as “a severe blow to Iran.” He further indicated that the Islamic Republic aims to compel an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Netanyahu asserted that Israel, Lebanon, and the United States are collectively signaling to Iran, “This is none of your business. You have no role in southern Lebanon — neither you, nor Hezbollah nor any other terrorist organization.”
U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, posted on X: “Was there all week but had to fly back to Israel Thursday night. Historic opportunity but key is disarming Hezbollah, evil terrorists who have killed Americans. Israel, Lebanon sign framework peace agreement following US-backed negotiations.”
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, in an Arabic-language X post, expressed gratitude to the U.S. administration, led by President Donald Trump, “for its efforts in hosting and facilitating the negotiations and for supporting Lebanon’s position.”
While Rubio’s optimistic announcement has sparked hope among some seasoned Lebanon experts regarding a historic opportunity for peace, others have advised a cautious approach.
Fakhoury commented, “If these commitments are fulfilled, this agreement could become the foundation for long-term cooperation, security, economic opportunity and shared stability that benefits both the Lebanese and Israeli people.”
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She continued, “However, whether this agreement brings lasting peace and stability will depend entirely on its implementation. The Lebanese state and its legitimate institutions must be the ones to create stability, not external actors or armed organizations operating outside government authority.”
One analyst noted, “The regime is telling Hezbollah ‘keep the narrative up and radical but let us get the money first.’ Israel is giving its public something and mindful of Trump’s concerns about the deal with Iran. The Lebanese government is hoping their army does not have to engage. The only unknown is the ability of the Lebanese opposition to rise and resist Hezbollah. We are still inside the Lebanese status quo.”
Hanin Ghaddar, a senior fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, described the development as “Absolutely a breakthrough.” She highlighted that this is the first agreement between Israel and Lebanon since 1983, and it sends “A clear and loud ‘NO’ to Iran as it challenges its efforts to control Lebanon ‘s file.”
She added, “But as the 1983 agreement was toppled by the bad guys then (Assad regime), Iran will try everything to make sure this one fails as well. Lebanon and Israel have a responsibility in making sure this agreement is protected, and its implementation is successful. We will probably not have another chance.”
