Israel and Lebanon Sign US-Brokered Peace Framework
Israel and Lebanon have signed a framework agreement after US-led talks. Israel agreed to pull out of two areas in Lebanon as part of the deal.
Ambassadors signed the agreement rather than national leaders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a great achievement.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also welcomed the deal as a step toward lasting peace. But Rubio said it was only the beginning of talks between the two countries.
The deal includes a security plan and a joint military group. Israeli forces will withdraw from two pilot zones and be replaced by the Lebanese army.
Rubio also announced $100 million in aid for Lebanon. Hezbollah was not part of the agreement.
This raises questions about whether the deal will hold. Past ceasefires between Israel and Lebanon saw near-daily cross-border strikes.
Key Terms 4
- Framework agreement A basic deal that sets out goals for future talks
- Hezbollah Armed group in Lebanon that fights Israel and was not in this deal
- Secretary of State Top US diplomat who leads foreign talks
- Pilot zones Two test areas where Israeli forces will pull back first