Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Friday a framework agreement for "lasting peace and security" between Lebanon and Israel, a U.S.-brokered deal welcomed by both nations as a significant stride toward normalizing relations.
Rubio stated that the agreement begins to put in place a framework for peace and security that both nations deserve. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the deal "a severe blow to Iran," asserting that the agreement tells Iran and its proxy Hezbollah they have no role in southern Lebanon. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also welcomed the agreement, emphasizing the key objective of disarming Hezbollah.
A Step Toward Normalization
The framework agreement represents a potential path toward diplomatic normalization between Lebanon and Israel, countries formally in a state of war. Experts suggest the deal could impede the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, which has gained influence within parts of the Lebanese state. Hezbollah and Israel have engaged in conflict since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and subsequent U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in February.
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun thanked the U.S. administration for facilitating the negotiations and supporting Lebanon's position. The agreement was signed at the State Department in Washington, D.C., with U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Nada Hamadeh and Israel's Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter present.
Expert Perspectives and Concerns
Veteran Lebanon experts expressed optimism about the historic opportunity for peace, though some cautioned for a measured approach. Guila Fakhoury, whose father was kidnapped by Hezbollah, described the agreement as a historic achievement, marking the first direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel since 1983. She added that the agreement could be a foundation for long-term cooperation if commitments are fulfilled, but stressed that its success hinges on implementation by legitimate Lebanese institutions, not external actors or unauthorized armed groups.
Walid Phares, a U.S. expert on Lebanon and the Middle East, characterized the agreement as a ceasefire rather than a path to broader peace. Phares noted that Hezbollah follows orders from Iran, and Tehran will likely pressure negotiators for a statement asserting its influence over Lebanon. He predicted Hezbollah would criticize the deal but avoid provoking Israeli strikes, while the Lebanese government hopes its army will not be forced into conflict.
Hanin Ghaddar, a senior fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, called the agreement an "absolute breakthrough" and a clear rejection of Iran's efforts to control Lebanon's affairs. However, she warned that Iran will likely attempt to sabotage the agreement, similar to how the 1983 agreement was undermined. Ghaddar emphasized the responsibility of Lebanon and Israel to protect the agreement and ensure its successful implementation, suggesting another such opportunity may not arise.