Lebanon-Israel US‑brokered Framework Agreement Calls for Hezbollah Disarmament

On 26 June, the United States mediated a framework agreement signed by Lebanon and Israel in Beirut and Tel Aviv. The text outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, the restoration of full Lebanese sovereignty and the exclusive control of security by the Lebanese armed forces, conditional on the verified disarmament of non‑state armed groups, primarily Hezbollah.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the deal with French Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot, who welcomed the agreement and said France is ready to help implement it and support Lebanon’s sovereignty. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel stated that lasting peace requires eliminating Hezbollah, echoing the framework’s security provisions.

Lebanese political leader Samir Geagea praised the agreement as a chance to re‑center the Lebanese state in security matters and urged concrete actions to end Hezbollah’s military presence in the south. France, while asserting its historical legitimacy in Lebanese affairs, reiterated its intention to remain involved in the post‑agreement implementation.

The agreement follows a recent Israeli offensive in Lebanon that began in March after Hezbollah’s retaliation to the Iran‑related war, and comes amid broader U.S. diplomatic efforts concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.