Israel has agreed to withdraw its forces from two locations in southern Lebanon under a new agreement reached after four days of negotiations in Washington involving Israel, Lebanon and the United States.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that one of the areas to be vacated lies north of the Litani River, while the second is located south of the river. He explained that Israeli forces would leave positions the military no longer considers strategically necessary.
The agreement forms part of a trilateral arrangement designed to pave the way for future negotiations aimed at achieving a broader peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon, two countries that have never established formal diplomatic relations.
Lebanon’s Ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, described the accord as an important first step toward restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that significant challenges remain but expressed optimism that the agreement marks the beginning of a wider peace process. He said the United States was honored to facilitate the negotiations.
Under the arrangement, the Lebanese Armed Forces will deploy to the areas vacated by Israeli troops as part of a pilot programme included in the latest ceasefire framework between both countries.
Although the Israeli military recently announced plans to temporarily reduce its troop presence in Lebanon, officials had earlier insisted they would not fully withdraw from occupied territory despite international pressure.
Netanyahu described the agreement as a strategic victory for Israel, saying it allows the country to retain control of other occupied positions in southern Lebanon for as long as Hezbollah remains armed. He also argued that the deal weakens Iran’s influence in the region by demonstrating cooperation between Israel, Lebanon and the United States.
Following the signing, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the agreement and thanked the US administration for facilitating the talks. He said the deal would help restore Lebanese sovereignty and allow citizens to return to liberated areas under the exclusive authority of the Lebanese state.
However, the agreement has drawn criticism from Hezbollah. Hassan Fadallah, a member of the group’s parliamentary bloc, rejected any form of direct negotiations with Israel and urged the Lebanese government to reverse its decisions. He accused those engaging with Israel of acting against the interests of the Lebanese people.
The latest agreement is expected to serve as a confidence-building measure as all parties continue efforts to reduce tensions and pursue a more comprehensive peace arrangement in the region.
