Lead:

A landmark framework agreement was signed in Washington between Lebanon, Israel, and the United States, under the sponsorship of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking the culmination of four days of intensive direct negotiations. The accord represents the first formal trilateral diplomatic instrument between the two countries and is being described by Lebanese officials as a foundational step toward full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the restoration of Lebanese sovereignty.

Details:

According to Al-Addiyar, the Lebanese Embassy in Washington confirmed the signing of the trilateral framework agreement in the presence of Secretary of State Rubio. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the accord, describing it as "a first step toward the full recovery of Lebanese sovereignty," and extended thanks to the American administration and President Donald Trump for hosting and supporting the negotiations. Presidential adviser Antoine Safir, representing President Aoun at a related ceremony, affirmed that Lebanon would not relinquish its sovereignty or a single inch of its territory.

Al-Nahar reported that the agreement establishes two experimental zones and includes provisions for U.S. financial assistance. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that the primary objective of the framework is to secure a full Israeli military withdrawal, expressing hope that the moment Israel begins its withdrawal would come soon. Separately, Al-Addiyar noted that the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, framed the agreement as one that effectively excludes Iran and Hezbollah and paves the way for broader peace.

Diverging interpretations surfaced almost immediately. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would maintain its security strip in southern Lebanon and linked any further progress to the disarmament of Hezbollah. Secretary Rubio echoed this framing, describing the framework as a first step toward Hezbollah disarmament. Hezbollah, according to multiple sources including Al-Addiyar, rejected the agreement outright, with Sheikh Muhammad Yazbek pledging commitment to the ceasefire only insofar as Israel respects it, while Jaafari Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Qablan condemned the accord as an "abominable deal" that would not pass. Meanwhile, member of parliament Hassan Fadlallah denied reports, carried by Al-Jadid television, that he had participated in shaping the Lebanese negotiating position.

Newsd and Al-Markazia reported that Saudi Arabia and Qatar provided continuous backing for the Lebanese position throughout the Washington talks, with preparatory meetings involving Brigadier General Hassan Shaqir, Brigadier Andre Rahhal, and MP Fadlallah having helped shape Beirut's stance in earlier rounds.

Watch For:

Whether Israel proceeds with even a partial withdrawal from southern Lebanon, as suggested by reporting cited in Newsd, or maintains its current positions pending Hezbollah disarmament. How Hezbollah's open rejection of the agreement affects implementation on the ground, particularly north of the Litani River. The nature and scope of U.S. financial assistance pledged under the framework, and whether European partners, following the Macron-Meloni declaration welcomed by President Aoun, will coordinate a post-UNIFIL security mechanism.