Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement in Washington
Kyiv • UNN
Israel and Lebanon signed a trilateral framework agreement in Washington. The document provides for the beginning of the withdrawal of IDF forces from parts of southern Lebanon.
Representatives of Israel, Lebanon, and the United States held a signing ceremony at the State Department regarding what they call a trilateral agreement between their countries, which provides for the beginning of the withdrawal of IDF forces from small parts of southern Lebanon. This was reported by The Times of Israel, writes UNN.
Details
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in his opening remarks, acknowledged the limited nature of the agreement, calling it "the beginning of the beginning." "This first step is sometimes the hardest, but it is an important step we have taken together," he said.
"There is still a lot of work ahead. We in no way underestimate the complexity of the task, but we understand its importance and are honored to be part of this process," Rubio added, acknowledging the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon to the United States, who led the negotiating delegations during five rounds of talks that began in April.
Rubio did not disclose details of the agreement that have not been made public.
Meanwhile, Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh stated that "the trilateral framework agreement we are signing today is a first step towards restoring Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, ensuring a permanent cessation of hostilities, returning people to their lands, and enabling them to live in peace, security, and prosperity."
"This meeting was long and difficult. We are grateful to the host and the two delegations for their cooperation," she said, alluding to Israel.
"This event was made possible by the leadership of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, the perseverance of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the resilience of Ambassador Simon Karam, and the patriotism of the Lebanese Armed Forces," Hamadeh added.
Israeli Ambassador Yehiel Leiter thanked Hamadeh, calling her a "very tough negotiator."
"You and your team have shown an example of patriotism for your country. You fight like a lioness, Madam Ambassador," he said.
Leiter recalled that he began this round of negotiations on Tuesday with a warning of a possible "breakdown," after the United States decided to include the ceasefire in Lebanon in a memorandum with Iran.
According to him, Iran and its allies sought to derail the process, but this was prevented thanks to Rubio's leadership.
"We put the train back on the tracks, and it is moving in the right direction. The final stop is peace between our countries," Leiter said.
He added that the agreement was made possible thanks to the resilience of the residents of northern Israel, the IDF, and the government of Benjamin Netanyahu.