US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon on June 26 following the fifth round of trilateral talks in Washington, D.C. Rubio described the deal as "the beginning of the beginning," underscoring that significant work remains before a lasting peace is achieved. The deal includes $100 million in immediate UN-coordinated humanitarian assistance and $30 million for Lebanon's Armed Forces.
The agreement proposes "pilot zones" where Lebanese soldiers would take exclusive territorial control currently held by Israeli forces. Israel committed to withdrawing once security threats — primarily Hezbollah — are eliminated. Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh called the talks "long and difficult" but expressed cautious optimism about advancing toward a permanent cessation of hostilities.
Hezbollah, which was not party to the negotiations, swiftly rejected the framework. Leader Naim Qassem demanded unconditional Israeli withdrawal, and MP Hassan Fadlallah condemned the deal as "unilateral, gratuitous concessions." Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu insisted Israeli forces would remain in the southern security zone until Hezbollah fully disarms — leaving the agreement's implementation deeply uncertain.