Jerusalem Officials Say Israel-Lebanon Framework Deal Could Be Signed Tonight

The sixth round of talks between Israel and Lebanon opened on Friday after being extended by one more day, and senior officials in both countries now expect a signing could take place as early as tonight in Washington. The negotiations are centered on a framework agreement meant to reduce tensions and set out arrangements on the ground between the two sides.

According to officials familiar with the draft, the deal is expected to include an Israeli commitment to withdraw from parts of Lebanon as part of a pilot program. Under that plan, the Lebanese army would enter those areas instead of IDF forces.

The agreement is also expected to include mutual recognition of each state’s sovereignty over its own territory. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio took the unusual step of joining the opening session in order to press the sides toward an understanding.

The report says the signing is still not final, but the talks are moving quickly and both Israeli and Lebanese officials assess that a formal conclusion may come later today in Washington.