Israel, Lebanon and US agree Israeli troops will remain in Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms

Israel's defense minister Yoav Gallant said that a three‑party framework agreement signed by Israel, Lebanon and the United States stipulates Israel will not withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory as long as Hezbollah remains armed. The deal, concluded in Washington after four days of talks, includes a pilot plan for Israeli troops to pull back from two zones on either side of the Litani River, after which the Lebanese army, accompanied by U.S. forces, will take over those areas.

The agreement also outlines steps to clear Hezbollah's underground infrastructure, curb its military expansion, and launch negotiations on the Israel‑Lebanon land border. Gallant warned that any Iranian attempt to block the accord would be met with a strong military response.