Israel to withdraw from two areas in Lebanon under new agreement, Hezbollah condemns deal

Israel, Lebanon, and the United States have recently signed a trilateral framework agreement that outlines Israel's initial withdrawal from two designated "pilot areas" in southern Lebanon. This diplomatic move, mediated by the US, aims to transfer control of these zones to the Lebanese Armed Forces. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the withdrawal pertains to positions no longer deemed essential by the military, while emphasizing Israel's intent to maintain a security buffer in the broader region.

The broader objective of this agreement is to pave the way for an eventual end to the decades-long state of war between Israel and Lebanon. A key condition for any further Israeli withdrawals, as stipulated in the deal, is the disarmament of Hezbollah and the Lebanese state asserting full sovereignty and control over its territory. This framework also seeks to establish lasting peace and security along their shared border.

However, Hezbollah has vehemently rejected the agreement, labeling it "null and void" and a "humiliation" for Lebanon. The Iran-backed militant group, which was not part of the Washington negotiations, has condemned the linkage of Israeli withdrawal to its disarmament, insisting on an unconditional Israeli exit from all Lebanese territory. Hezbollah leaders have vowed to maintain their armed status and continue resistance, signaling significant obstacles to the deal's full implementation.