27.06.2026 11:26
The fifth round of direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon continues in Washington, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that a framework agreement was signed between the US, Israel, and Lebanon.
The 5th round of direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the United States, continues in Washington.
THREE-PARTY FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT SIGNED
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that a framework agreement between the United States, Israel, and Lebanon was signed after the talks.
Rubio, stating there is still much work ahead, noted that the agreement is a diplomatic step aimed at reducing tensions with Hezbollah along Lebanon's southern border.
HEZBOLLAH EXCLUDED FROM THE PROCESS
It was stated that the ceasefire is conditional on Hezbollah fully ceasing hostilities and withdrawing all its elements from the area south of the Litani River in southern Lebanon.
It was reported that Hezbollah is not a party to the agreement and that it is uncertain whether it will comply with the ceasefire. The end of conflicts in the region is considered critical for a broader peace process between the United States and Iran.
In his statement, Marco Rubio said, "Today is a good day because we are announcing a framework agreement for lasting peace and security between the governments of Lebanon and Israel, with the mediation and support of the United States."
Rubio emphasized that this step is a development both countries deserve.
U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT: PILOT ZONES WILL BE ESTABLISHED
In a statement by the U.S. Department of State, it was reported that the parties agreed, under U.S. guidance, to establish "pilot zones."
It was stated that in these zones, the Lebanese Armed Forces will assume full control of the area, excluding all non-state elements. The statement noted that these steps will facilitate progress toward a comprehensive peace and security agreement.
STATEMENT FROM NETANYAHU
In a video message released after the signing ceremony, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the framework agreement reached with Lebanon is a great success for them.
Netanyahu said they would not withdraw from the areas they occupy in southern Lebanon and refer to as a "security zone" until Hezbollah is disarmed, and continued his remarks as follows:
"The most critical point is that Israel will continue to remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon above all. This is an important achievement. As long as Hezbollah is not disarmed and poses a threat to Israel, we will maintain our presence here."
Claiming that they have "dealt a major blow to Iran" with the framework agreement signed with the Beirut administration under U.S. mediation, Netanyahu said, "Iran was trying to force us into a unilateral withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Israel, Lebanon, and the United States gave them this message: This does not concern you."
DIRECT NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN ISRAEL AND LEBANON
It was reported that the parties convened on the morning of the 4th day of the 5th round of talks, which began on Tuesday, June 23, at the State Department building in Washington.
A U.S. State Department official said in a statement, "The parties reconvened today to continue their work toward reaching an agreement. Israel and Lebanon continue their negotiations as two sovereign states with the goal of achieving long-term peace and security."
The U.S. State Department had announced that the 5th round of Israel-Lebanon direct negotiations would take place in Washington from June 23-25, with talks later extended by one day.
The talks are taking place after the U.S.-Iran memorandum text, signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, went into effect on June 18.
Source: AA