Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that Israel will remain in southern Lebanon "as long as Hezbollah does not disarm", following the announcement of a framework agreement between Tel Aviv and Beirut.
He also described the framework deal as a significant blow to Iran, saying Tehran wanted to force an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Earlier, Lebanon and Israel agreed to a deal as part of a trilateral framework with the United States in Washington, following five rounds of talks hosted by Donald Trump's administration.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called it "the beginning of the beginning" in remarks to reporters moments before the signing of the deal.
"This agreement establishes a clear and structured process to restore Lebanon's sovereignty, disarm Hezbollah and dismantle its terrorist infrastructure, and enable Israel to return to its borders once that threat to its citizens is removed," Rubio said.
However, Hezbollah has rejected the deal, with one MP saying it will only “serve the interests” of Israel.
“Israel remains in the security zone in southern Lebanon.”
Middle East Eye ISSN 2634-2456