Israel and Lebanon Reach Framework Deal as U.S. Strikes Iranian Targets

For the first time in 44 years, Israel and Lebanon have signed a framework agreement. Under the deal, the IDF will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon as long as Hezbollah still poses a threat, and a first-stage pilot will begin in two areas where the Lebanese army will move in.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would continue to hold the southern Lebanon security belt, adding, “our security comes first.” He is expected to hold a press conference later in the evening. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that any Iranian attempt to undermine implementation of the agreement would draw a strong Israeli response, and said he and the prime minister had instructed the IDF to prepare for a prolonged stay in the security zone.

Hezbollah secretary-general criticized the deal with Israel, calling it “a terrible mistake,” and urged replacing it with the memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the agreement, calling it a first step toward Israel’s return to its borders after the security threat is removed, alongside continued security coordination under American supervision.

Separately, reports said the U.S. military struck Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz overnight. Iran then launched several drones toward Bahrain. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said, “violence will be met with violence.” In a separate update, a 13-year-old girl was pronounced dead after drowning in the Jordan River, while the search for another girl continues.