Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter said Friday at the signing ceremony for the Israel-Lebanon framework agreement that the ultimate goal is genuine peace between the two states, where both live in security and sovereignty is respected. Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Maouad called the agreement a first step toward restoring Lebanese sovereignty and ensuring a permanent cessation of hostilities, according to their remarks at the ceremony.
The ceremony in Washington marked the formal signing of a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the United States. In remarks at the event Friday evening, Ambassador Leiter described the agreement as setting the stage for a final objective of full peace between the two countries, with mutual security and respect for sovereignty. Ambassador Maouad characterized the document as an initial step toward restoring Lebanon's sovereignty and ending hostilities permanently, enabling displaced residents to return to their land, as quoted by Israeli media.
This bulletin is the Desk's latest coverage of the signing, following earlier reports: a declaration of intent was reached Friday evening (The Zioneer, Fri 21:16), and both U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vance had previously outlined the framework's goals. Ambassador Leiter had earlier stated Israel's full commitment to the ceasefire and its halt of offensive operations in Lebanon, while stressing IDF operations would continue against Hezbollah infrastructure until the mission was complete (The Zioneer, Fri Jun 19).
The framework agreement has been under negotiation for weeks. Its signing in Washington represents a diplomatic milestone, though both envoys emphasized it is a starting point. The details of implementation, including the IDF's continued presence in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah's compliance, remain subjects of further discussion. Neither envoy addressed the timeline for a full Israeli withdrawal or the mechanism for enforcing the cessation of hostilities.
6 developments
- StrongUnverified report claims US, Lebanon sign deal recognizing Israeli security zone in southern Lebanon
- StrongReport: Military talks between Israel and Lebanon show some progress in Washington
- DevelopingIsrael and US reach new understandings on Lebanon front, Israel Hayom reports
- DevelopingUS State Department: Lebanon-Israel agreement paves path to lasting peace
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