Israel-Lebanon US-mediated framework deal faces internal criticism

The United States, Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement in Washington that sets up a pilot project to disarm Hezbollah and hand over two border zones currently under Israeli control to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir denounced the deal on social media, calling it a grave mistake and saying Israel cannot rely on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah. He urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to call a cabinet vote to reject the agreement.

Opposition leader Yair Golan of Israel's Democratic Party also attacked the pact, labeling it a strategic failure for Netanyahu and arguing that without a strong international enforcement mechanism Hezbollah will not lay down its arms. He said the agreement reflects Israel's loss of influence and strategic credibility.

Hezbollah's leader Naim Kasim similarly rejected the framework, describing it as humiliating and insisting that the U.S.–Iran accord should be upheld instead.

The accord follows several rounds of U.S.-mediated talks, including extensions of a temporary cease‑fire, and was presented by Prime Minister Netanyahu as a step toward peace and shared security on the Israel‑Lebanon border.