Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement signed in Washington as a crucial step towards reclaiming Lebanon’s full sovereignty. Aoun pledged to persist until the process is finalized, emphasizing the significance of enabling displaced Lebanese to return to their homeland. He expressed gratitude to the US for hosting the negotiations and to supportive Arab and friendly nations.
The deal faced immediate opposition from Hezbollah, with lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah asserting the group’s resistance to implementing the framework and refusal to disarm. Fadlallah highlighted Iran’s stance, stating that Tehran demanded a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory before signing any agreement with Washington. The agreement aims to address long-standing disputes, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from specific areas in southern Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded the agreement as a significant achievement for Israel, emphasizing the need for Hezbollah to disarm for the Israeli military to withdraw from the southern Lebanese “security zone.” Netanyahu’s remarks followed the signing of the framework agreement in Washington, facilitated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Israeli forces continued operations in southern Lebanon, with reports of combing operations in the border town of Ain Arab.
