Israel and Lebanon Sign Framework Deal for Partial IDF Withdrawal After US-Brokered Talks
Israel and Lebanon signed a trilateral framework agreement with the United States on June 26, 2026, marking the beginning of a partial Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon after four days of intensive negotiations in Washington.
Agreement Signed in Washington
Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter, US State Department Counselor Dan Holler and Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh signed a framework agreement for a partial IDF withdrawal from south Lebanon at the State Department on June 26, 2026.
Limited Scope Acknowledged
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared to acknowledge the limited scope of the agreement in his opening remarks, calling it, "The beginning of the beginning… This first step sometimes is the hardest one, but it's an important one, and the one we've taken together." Rubio noted that "There's a lot of work ahead. We don't in any way underestimate the difficulty of the task ahead, but we understand the importance of it, how vital it is, and we are honored to have played a part."
Regional Context
The new deconfliction mechanism seeks to prevent return to all-out war in Lebanon and in the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a video statement touting the framework deal reached in Washington between Israel and Lebanon.
What's Next
The agreement represents the first step in what officials acknowledge will be a lengthy process toward full stability. Both sides have committed to the trilateral format involving US oversight, though fundamental differences remain unresolved on the extent and timeline of Israeli withdrawal.