The United States, Israel, and Lebanon signed a trilateral framework agreementthat paves the way for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army in those areas, with Washington’s support. The agreement is the result of the fifth round of negotiations held in Washington.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the signing of the agreement, noting, however, that much work remains to be done.

Israel and Lebanon signed a U.S.-brokered framework agreement in Washington, marking the start of formal cooperation talks. pic.twitter.com/PkTa5UwspX

— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 26, 2026

The agreement lays out a roadmap for a future peace agreement and outlines the first immediate de-escalation measures on the ground, the most significant of which is the partial withdrawal of the Israeli army from areas of southern Lebanon.

What it provides for

• The agreement calls for the implementation of two pilot projects, under which the IDF will withdraw from small areas it currently controls, and the Lebanese Army will take their place.
• U.S. military officers will work with the Lebanese Army to implement the pilot projects and, above all, to verify that there is no Hezbollah presence in these areas.
• According to Israeli officials, one area is located north of the Litani River and the second south of the river.
• Although the IDF’s withdrawal will be limited, this marks the first withdrawal of Israeli forces since Israel expanded its control over southern Lebanon during the war with Iran.

Although the IDF’s withdrawal will be limited, this is the first withdrawal of Israeli forces since Israel extended its control over southern Lebanon during the war with Iran.

Despite diplomatic progress, it remains uncertain whether the agreement can be fully implemented as long as Hezbollah remains armed and retains strong influence in Lebanon.

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has generally held since last Saturday, although Israel has carried out several strikes against targets that, it claims, posed an immediate threat from Hezbollah.

How the agreement was signed

The agreement was signed by the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington, as well as by State Department adviser Dan Holler, on behalf of the United States.

During the signing ceremony at the State Department, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that “it’s a good day,” noting, however, that “we have a lot of work ahead of us.”

The Background

According to a U.S. official, Rubio held telephone conversations on Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in an effort to bridge the remaining differences.

On Friday morning, the head of U.S. diplomacy also participated in the negotiations between the delegations of the two countries, helping to finalize the agreement.

Source: skai.gr