Lebanon & Israel Sign Ceasefire Deal – But It’s Dead If Hezbollah Says No
A trilateral framework agreement has been signed between the United States, Lebanon, and Israel, aimed at ending hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. However, the ceasefire will only take effect if the paramilitary group Hezbollah agrees to halt all hostilities, and no timeline for its decision has been given.
The United States, Lebanon, and Israel signed a trilateral agreement in Washington on Tuesday, following five rounds of talks to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon [182980]. Under the deal, Lebanese soldiers will take control of two areas currently occupied by Israel, as part of a pilot effort to restore Lebanese authority in the region. The agreement also includes a process aimed at disarming Hezbollah [182980].
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the framework, calling it a major step toward lasting peace [182873]. Rubio described it as a foundation for future negotiations, while Netanyahu welcomed it as a "diplomatic breakthrough" [182873]. However, Rubio acknowledged that the agreement marked only “the beginning of the beginning” of negotiations, covering a small, symbolic withdrawal from two specific areas [182917].
Lebanese officials began direct talks with Israel in Washington in April [182997]. Despite the historic nature of the negotiations, both sides are reportedly furious about being used as pawns in a larger American game [182649].
The ceasefire will only take effect if Hezbollah agrees to halt all hostilities, with no timeline given for the group’s decision [183219]. Regional security experts have warned that Iran will likely launch efforts to undermine the agreement [182873].