Israel to withdraw from Lebanon areas under new deal, but regional tensions persist

Israel and Lebanon have signed a U.S.-brokered framework agreement, announced on June 26, 2026, aimed at de-escalating months of border conflict and working towards a lasting peace. The deal includes a provision for Israel to initiate a phased withdrawal from two "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon, with these areas then transferring to the control of the Lebanese army. This withdrawal is explicitly linked to the disarmament of Hezbollah and the Lebanese army's ability to assert security control in the vacated territories.

However, the agreement has been met with strong condemnation from Hezbollah, whose leader, Naim Qassem, labeled it "null and void" and a "humiliation" for Lebanon. The group firmly rejects the stipulation that links Israel's withdrawal to Hezbollah's disarmament, vowing to continue its armed resistance and warning of potential internal conflict if attempts are made to disarm its fighters. Following the announcement, Israeli military strikes continued in southern Lebanon, and Hezbollah supporters staged protests in Beirut, underscoring the ongoing volatility despite the diplomatic efforts.