Israel, Lebanon unveil phased deal tied to Hezbollah disarmament and peace talks

Israel and Lebanon have published the full text of a framework agreement signed Friday in Washington, confirming that the IDF will withdraw gradually from southern Lebanon, but only after Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups are disarmed. Under the deal, the Lebanese army will first take security responsibility for agreed pilot areas in the south, while Israel repositions its forces outside Lebanese territory in stages.

The agreement says both governments, with full US backing under President Donald Trump, aim to end the conflict, secure each state’s sovereignty and move immediately toward a full peace accord. Israel states that it has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon and that once the threat is removed, there will be no future need for an Israeli military presence there. The two sides will create working groups and direct channels of dialogue, mediated by the United States, to draft a comprehensive peace and security agreement.

The text also commits Lebanon to a strict, performance-based plan to strengthen its army, enforce state control across the country and ensure that armed groups have no military or security role anywhere in Lebanon. The agreement says any new US aid will be tied to verifiable milestones, transparency, demonstrated results and continued oversight. It also says reconstruction funds must not reach non-state armed groups or affiliated entities.

The framework identifies two initial pilot zones already agreed between the IDF and the Lebanese Armed Forces, with additional zones to be chosen later by mutual consent. After verified disarmament and dismantling of related infrastructure in those areas, the Lebanese army would gain full control and civilians could return safely. The sides also pledge to address missing persons, release detainees, avoid hostile actions in international forums, and work with the US and other partners to rebuild Lebanon’s economy and infrastructure.