Marco Rubio on Friday announced a new framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, calling it a first step toward ending months of violence along their shared border, according to Euro News. The deal was signed in Washington by Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanon’s ambassador, Nada Hamadeh, though officials did not reveal its details.
Standing beside Rubio, both diplomats spoke of hope, but also of the long road ahead. Hamadeh described the agreement as a step toward restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty and bringing displaced families back home. She said it could help secure a lasting ceasefire and allow people on both sides to live in peace and stability.
Leiter echoed that vision, saying the ultimate goal is “real peace” where both nations feel safe and respected. He stressed that the framework excludes both Iran and Hezbollah, signaling a shift toward direct engagement between Israel and Lebanon.
The conflict intensified earlier this year when Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel following the outbreak of war involving Israel, the United States, and Iran in late February. Israel responded with a ground invasion of southern Lebanon. Since then, more than 4,000 people have been killed in Lebanon, while at least 37 Israeli soldiers have died in the fighting.
Although there was a brief pause in violence earlier this week, new Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have raised fears that tensions could quickly escalate again.
Key disagreements remain. Lebanon is demanding a full and immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from its territory. Israel, meanwhile, insists that Hezbollah must be disarmed, a condition that appears difficult to achieve.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has proposed creating “pilot zones” where the Lebanese army would take control as Israeli troops withdraw. But the plan is still under discussion.
Analysts say Hezbollah is unlikely to agree to full disarmament, arguing it is only required to pull back from areas near the Israeli border.
For now, the agreement offers cautious hope but peace remains uncertain.
