Lebanon, Israel sign US-backed framework to end conflict and advance peace

Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - WASHINGTON — Lebanon and Israel signed a US-sponsored framework agreement in Washington on Friday, concluding a fifth round of negotiations aimed at ending decades of conflict, resolving outstanding disputes, and laying the groundwork for a comprehensive peace and security agreement.

The framework, whose full text was later released by the US Department of State, outlines a roadmap for ending hostilities, restoring Lebanese sovereignty across its territory, and establishing direct US-mediated negotiations between the two sides.

The agreement states that Lebanon and Israel share the goal of achieving "lasting peace and security" and express their intention to formally end the state of conflict, resolve remaining disputes through direct talks, and establish peaceful neighborly relations.

Under the framework, Lebanon committed to restoring full state authority throughout its territory by disarming all non-state armed groups and ensuring that only the Lebanese state has the authority to use force. The process will be supported by the United States and international and Arab partners.

The agreement provides for a phased implementation process in which the Lebanese Armed Forces will assume control of designated pilot zones after non-state armed groups are disarmed there, allowing Israeli forces to gradually withdraw from Lebanese territory while enabling reconstruction efforts and the return of displaced civilians. Additional pilot zones will be designated by mutual agreement.

Israel, for its part, declared that it has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon and said that the disarmament of Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups would eliminate any future need for Israeli military operations or a continued military presence inside Lebanese territory.

Both countries reaffirmed their right to self-defense but agreed that no third party should act militarily on either country's behalf. They also agreed to establish a US-backed military coordination mechanism to oversee implementation of the framework.

The United States pledged to support the Lebanese Armed Forces in expanding state control throughout Lebanon and assist efforts to disarm non-state armed groups, with future assistance tied to verifiable implementation milestones, transparency, and oversight.

Washington also committed to working with international partners to support Lebanon's reconstruction through humanitarian assistance, infrastructure rehabilitation, and long-term economic investment. Lebanon and the United States further agreed to prevent reconstruction funds from reaching non-state armed groups or affiliated entities.

The agreement also calls for the creation of US-facilitated working groups and direct engagement channels to negotiate a comprehensive peace and security agreement, while both sides pledged to refrain from hostile actions in international forums, cooperate on the return of human remains, and facilitate the release of detainees.

The framework concludes with Lebanon and Israel expressing appreciation for the United States' role in supporting efforts to end the conflict and acknowledging the leadership of President Donald Trump in advancing the negotiations.