Lead:
Lebanon and Israel have signed a fourteen-point framework agreement under United States mediation, aiming to establish a permanent ceasefire, facilitate a gradual Israeli withdrawal, and consolidate Lebanese state sovereignty. The agreement represents the most significant diplomatic development between the two parties in years. However, it has immediately triggered sharp internal Lebanese opposition, with Hezbollah rejecting the accord outright and supporters taking to the streets of Beirut's southern suburbs.
Details:
According to Elbalad, the framework agreement contains fourteen articles and was signed in Washington with direct American sponsorship. Lebanese Ambassador to Washington Nada Mawad Hamad described it as "a first step on the road to restoring Lebanese sovereignty" and a foundation for a permanent halt to hostilities. The Lebanese Embassy in Washington separately confirmed that the new framework paves the way for a phased Israeli withdrawal and strengthens state authority across Lebanese territory.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as reported by Elbalad, expressed pride in the agreement, describing Washington's mediation role as central to its conclusion. Ambassador Edward Gabriel, head of the American Task Force for Lebanon, cautioned that experimental zones represent the primary implementation challenge facing the accord and will require close monitoring in the weeks ahead.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, cited by Elbalad, affirmed that only legitimate state forces are authorized to bear arms in Lebanon and that extending government control over all national territory is an irreversible strategic objective. The French Foreign Ministry, also quoted by Elbalad, welcomed the agreement and insisted on full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, describing Hezbollah as a persistent source of Lebanese instability.
Hezbollah, however, announced through its Secretary-General Naim Qassem, in a speech delivered on the occasion of Ashura as reported by Elbalad, that the framework agreement is not binding on the organization and that Israel must withdraw unconditionally and "in defeat." Senior Hezbollah officials reiterated to Arab media that the group will accept nothing short of full Israeli withdrawal. Supporters protested in Beirut's southern suburbs against the signing, according to Elbalad, marking visible public opposition to the government's diplomatic course.
On a separate but related front, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as reported by Elbalad, emphasized the importance of full compliance with the Washington-Tehran agreement to safeguard regional security and freedom of navigation.
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