Israel and Lebanon Reach Framework Agreement, Rubio Says

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Friday that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a framework aimed at "lasting peace and security." The deal emerged from U.S.-mediated talks and calls for implementing a ceasefire between the two nations.

That ceasefire depends on a complete cessation of fire by Hezbollah and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah was not a party to Friday's agreement. It is not clear whether the group will abide by any ceasefire.

An end to hostilities between Israel and Lebanon is considered crucial to obtaining a lasting peace deal between the United States and Iran, which sponsors Hezbollah. The United States and Israel launched a war against Iran in late February. The U.S. has reached a memorandum of understanding with Iran to pause that conflict for at least 60 days while peace talks proceed.

"Today is a good day in that we are happy to announce a framework agreement between the sovereign government of Lebanon and, of course, the government of Israel, with a mediation and support of the United States of America that begins to put in place a framework for lasting peace and security," Rubio said. "And that's what these two nations deserve."

The State Department said in a statement, "The two sides agreed with the guidance of the United States to swiftly advance the creation of pilot zones in which the Lebanese Armed Forces will take exclusive control of the territory to the exclusion of all non-state actors." The department added, "These steps will enable progress towards a comprehensive peace and security agreement."

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