Lebanon-Israel Framework Agreement faces implementation challenges

Discussions regarding the ‘Framework Agreement’ between Lebanon and Israel have shifted from foundational principles to the challenges of implementation. Key points of contention include the sequencing of steps, specific timelines, verification mechanisms, and necessary guarantees.

Lebanese officials have linked the deployment of the Lebanese Army in the south to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from designated areas. This process gained momentum following a meeting in Washington between Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the meeting, Salam emphasized the need for a clear timeline and a reliable verification mechanism, while Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting Lebanon in implementing the agreement.

A Lebanese ministerial source noted that while Lebanon remains committed to all terms, the United States, as the guarantor and signatory, must exert pressure on Israel to ensure compliance. Implementation progress currently awaits an upcoming military meeting in Florida, which is expected to address issues such as Israeli demolition and bulldozing policies alongside other implementation files. Additionally, the status of Lebanese prisoners remains an unresolved component of the negotiations.