Israel and Lebanon Sign Agreement on Partial Troop Withdrawal
Israel and Lebanon, with US mediation, signed a framework agreement in Washington that provides for the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon.
Signing of the Agreement
Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement in Washington on Sunday aimed at partially resolving the long-standing conflict. The document was signed by Israel's ambassador to the US, Yehiel Leiter, and Lebanon's ambassador, Nada Hamade Moawad. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also participated in the ceremony, calling this step the first and most difficult, but very important.
Israel's Demands
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the agreement will allow Israel to maintain a "buffer zone" in southern Lebanon. According to him, the Israeli army will remain in that territory until the Iran-backed group Hezbollah is disarmed and until the threat to the state of Israel exists. Netanyahu clarified that troops will be withdrawn from two areas – north and south of the Litani River. These territories will be taken over by the Lebanese armed forces.
Reactions
Netanyahu emphasized that the agreement is also a blow to Iran, noting that Israel, Lebanon, and the US jointly tell Iran that it has no place in Lebanon. Lebanese Ambassador Moawad noted that the agreement is a first step toward restoring Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as a complete cessation of hostilities.
