Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement recognizing Israeli security zone

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Saturday evening that Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement under which Israel will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed. Netanyahu called the deal a major achievement and a blow to Iran, saying the ultimate goal is a peace agreement between the two countries.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday evening that the ultimate goal of the framework agreement signed with Lebanon is a peace agreement between the two countries. The statement expands on the deal's long-term vision, which Netanyahu earlier characterized as a historic achievement. The framework was announced Friday night after weeks of diplomacy, as The Zioneer reported.

On Friday, at 20:00 Jerusalem, Netanyahu announced the trilateral framework signed in Washington, which keeps the IDF security zone in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed. The same evening, a senior Israeli political official said the agreement prevents Iran from forcing a unilateral Israeli withdrawal. By Saturday, Defense Minister Israel Katz called the deal a historic achievement (19:13 Jerusalem) and later Netanyahu said the US and Lebanon formally recognized Israel's right to the zone.

Hezbollah has previously claimed the US-Iran agreement includes a ceasefire in Lebanon with no permanent Israeli presence, as The Zioneer reported on June 18. Background reporting from June 15 indicates Hezbollah endorsed the US-Iran deal, claiming it ensures Lebanon's rights.

Key details remain unreleased, including the agreement's exact legal status—whether signed directly with the Lebanese government or through US mediation—and the timelines for the pilot zones and disarmament verification mechanisms.

15 developments

1. 22:52 · 27 JunLatest

   Netanyahu claims Hezbollah lost 90% of its rockets and warns Iran against attacking.

2. 22:07 · 27 Jun

   Netanyahu confirms security zone agreement and reports 200 Hezbollah militants eliminated.

3. 21:02 · 27 Jun

   Netanyahu states the ultimate goal is a peace agreement between the countries.

• Developing19:30 · 24 JunNetanyahu: Israel establishing buffer zone in southern Lebanon, will prevent Iran nuclear arms
• Strong23:37 · 21 JunNetanyahu at brother's memorial: We'll stay in Lebanon buffer zone as long as needed
• Strong22:03 · 27 JunNetanyahu sees Lebanon deal as major setback for Iran, pushes for broad coalition
• Strong14:29 · 1 JulNetanyahu visits IDF troops in southern Lebanon: Hezbollah left with only 8% of pre-war arsenal

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