Israel, Lebanon and the U.S. signed an agreement providing for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from two areas in southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army.
However, Hezbollah’s strong reaction raises new questions about whether the agreement can be implemented without further tensions.
The agreement was signed after four days of negotiations in Washington, with the participation of Israel, Lebanon, and the United States. According to the Israeli side, this is a first step that could lead to broader political cooperation between the two countries, which do not maintain diplomatic relations.
The ambassador of Lebanon to the U.S., Nanda Hamadeh Moawad, described the agreement as the beginning of an effort to fully restore Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity.
How will the withdrawal of Israeli forces take place
Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw from two areas in southern Lebanon, which will come under the control of the Lebanese army.
As he explained, one area is located north of the Litani River, while the second is located south of the river. At the same time, he argued that Israeli forces are withdrawing only from positions that are “unnecessary,” while Israel will maintain its presence at other locations as long as Hezbollah does not proceed with demilitarization.
The deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in these areas will take place as part of a pilot program, which is part of the preceding ceasefire agreement.
According to CNN, the Israeli government had viewed these specific withdrawals as a symbolic gesture of goodwill toward the Lebanese government.
A few days before the signing, however, there were conflicting messages coming from Israel. The army had announced a temporary reduction of its forces in Lebanon, without mentioning a withdrawal from any territory, while the defense minister had stated that the IDF would not leave southern Lebanon, even if requested to do so by the U.S..
The statements, the role of the U.S., and Hezbollah’s reaction
During the signing ceremony, the U.S.
Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, stated: “Today is the beginning of the beginning. We have a lot of work ahead of us. We do not, under any circumstances, underestimate the difficulty of the task before us. However, we understand its importance—how vital it is. And it is our honor to contribute to its implementation.”
For his part, Benjamin Netanyahu described the agreement as a major success for Israel , saying: “This is also a major blow to Iran. Iran is trying to force us to withdraw from southern Lebanon by force. In essence, Israel, Lebanon, and the United States are telling them: this is none of your business.”
Marco Rubio added: “The people of Lebanon and Israel deserve to live in peace and security, but they have long suffered from the conflicts.”
Following the signing of the agreement, the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, thanked the government of Donald Trump for its role in the talks. As he noted, the agreement will allow citizens to return “to their fully liberated land… under the sovereignty of a Lebanese state that has no partner in its sovereignty over its land and people,” making clear jabs at the influence of Iran through Hezbollah.
Hezbollah, however, immediately rejected the agreement. The organization’s member of parliament, Hassan Fadala, stated that the organization rejects any form of direct negotiation with Israel and called on the Lebanese government to “withdraw from these negotiations and revoke all decisions it has made to the detriment of its people”.
At the same time, it made it clear that the organization has no intention of laying down its arms, while accusing Israel of violating the recent memorandum of understanding on the definitive cessation of military operations in Lebanon.
At the same time, the pro-Iranian news agency Al Mayadeen reported that the Lebanese authorities will not be able to implement the agreement unless, with the support of the U.S., “are heading toward a civil war.”
