Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement after US-brokered talks

June 26, 2026

Israel and Lebanon have signed a US-brokered framework agreement in Washington aimed at establishing lasting peace and security between the two nations. The 14-point accord affirms each country's right to peaceful coexistence and calls for Lebanese Armed Forces to restore sovereign control over all Lebanese territory, including areas currently held by Hezbollah fighters. Despite the diplomatic progress, significant obstacles remain as Israeli forces continue occupying approximately 5% of southern Lebanon, and Hezbollah, which is not a party to the agreement, has not committed to withdrawing from the region.

Who is affected

Israel and Lebanon (signatory nations)
Israeli forces currently occupying southern Lebanon
Hezbollah (Iranian-backed group not party to the agreement)
Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF)
Over 1.2 million displaced Lebanese people
At least 4,192 killed and 11,600 injured in Lebanon
36 Israeli soldiers and 4 Israeli civilians killed
Detainees and families of those whose remains need to be returned
United States and Arab partners (supporting implementation)
Iran (indirectly affected through the broader peace deal)

What action is being taken

Limited fighting continues between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon
Israeli forces are occupying around 5% of Lebanese territory
Israeli army is allowing the Lebanese army to begin organizing to take over some territory in two pilot zones
Israel and Hezbollah are trading cross-border fire
A US-supported military coordination group is being established to help implement the framework

Why it matters

This framework agreement represents a significant diplomatic step toward ending a conflict that has caused thousands of deaths and displaced over a million people in Lebanon. The success of this agreement is critical to the broader US peace deal with Iran, which includes commitments to end fighting on all fronts including Lebanon. However, the exclusion of Hezbollah as a party to the agreement creates uncertainty about whether lasting peace can be achieved, particularly since the framework depends on the disarmament of non-state armed groups. The agreement also tests US influence in the region and President Trump's ability to broker Middle East peace.

What's next

Lebanese Armed Forces will work to restore effective sovereign authority over all Lebanese territory
Lebanon will seek support from international and Arab partners, under US leadership, to achieve territorial control
The US-supported military coordination group will work to implement the framework
Both nations will work towards the release of detainees and return of remains
Verification of disarmament of non-state armed groups and dismantlement of associated infrastructure must occur
Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms, according to Prime Minister Netanyahu

Read full article from source: BBC