Lead:

Lebanon's recently signed Washington framework agreement — aimed at establishing conditions for a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon — is generating sharp political divisions across the Lebanese spectrum. Speaker Nabih Berri signals cautious opposition while President Joseph Aoun and Foreign Minister Youssef Raji defend the accord as the sole viable path forward. Meanwhile, diplomatic activity from Washington, Doha, Tehran, and Damascus converges on Beirut, raising the stakes for Lebanon's fragile political equilibrium.

Details:

President Joseph Aoun has emerged as the framework's principal defender, stating publicly that the agreement "achieves the logic of the state and Lebanon's sovereignty," and that negotiations remain preferable to war. Foreign Minister Youssef Raji reinforced this position, describing the negotiation track launched by the Lebanese state as "the sole and exclusive means" of achieving a complete Israeli withdrawal. According to Al-Diyar, sources close to the Baabda Palace clarified that what was signed is not a final agreement but a preliminary "framework formula," still in its initial drafting stage.

Speaker Nabih Berri, speaking to Al-Diyar, pushed back on several fronts. He expressed surprise at the adoption of "pilot zones" rather than the district-based withdrawal model originally proposed, and insisted that neither the Lebanese army nor the resistance would serve Israeli interests. Despite his reservations, Berri affirmed that "the door to a settlement remains open." Al-Diyar further reported that circles close to the Ain al-Tineh residence indicate Berri's political bloc, known as the Duali, continues to monitor the Geneva track and the ongoing Iran-US negotiations before committing to a firm position.

Hezbollah's position was made explicit by Member of Parliament Hussein Jashi, quoted by Al-Manar and confirmed by Al-Diyar, who characterized the framework agreement as "the peak of political dissolution." Separately, MP Jamil al-Sayyid stated via social media that the Washington accord rests on "contradictory and inapplicable conditions." In contrast, the Kataeb Party, following a meeting chaired by MP Sami al-Gemayel, declared the agreement "a historic opportunity to restore the state," warning that rebellion against it constitutes rebellion against Lebanon's legitimacy. On the regional front, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to discuss Lebanon's ceasefire consolidation, according to Newsd. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani is expected in Beirut carrying a Syrian initiative centered on implementing the Taif Agreement and consolidating arms under state authority, Al-Diyar reported. US Vice President JD Vance noted that Lebanon and Israel are conducting direct dialogue "in a way that did not exist a few months ago."

Watch For: