Netanyahu says Israel-Lebanon framework agreement paves way for peace deal
Jerusalem, June 28
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the US-mediated framework agreement signed Friday between Israel and Lebanon paves the way to ending the conflict and eventually reaching a peace agreement between the two countries.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said that "this agreement strengthens Israel and Lebanon, and weakens Iran and Hezbollah. This is a sign of things to come."
He added that under the agreement, the United States and Lebanon recognize Israel's right to maintain the "security zone" in southern Lebanon as long as it is necessary for Israel's security, Xinhua news agency reported.
He stated that the Israeli military will continue to hold the "security zone" until Hezbollah and other "terror" organizations are disarmed.
Netanyahu noted that the framework agreement includes two areas near the northern boundary of the security zone, recommended by the Israeli military, where a pilot program will be launched to dismantle Hezbollah and transfer the area to the control of the Lebanese army.
He claimed that Israel has killed more than 9,000 Hezbollah militants since the start of the war and destroyed about 90 percent of the group's stockpile of 150,000 missiles and rockets.
On Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Israel and Lebanon had reached a framework agreement for "lasting peace and security."
The agreement, signed at the end of the latest round of ambassador-level talks in Washington, D.C., called again for the implementation of a fragile ceasefire between the two nations.
"Today is a good day in that we are happy to announce the - a framework agreement between the sovereign Government of Lebanon and of course the Government of Israel, with the mediation and support of the United States of America, that begins to put in place a framework for lasting peace and security. And that's what these two nations deserve," Rubio said during the signing ceremony.
The framework aims to restore Lebanon's sovereignty, dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure and enable Israeli forces to return to their borders once security threats are removed.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, good for Israel and Lebanon if this brings peace. But 9,000 Hezbollah militants killed? That figure seems too convenient. India has experience with terrorism too, but we know real peace requires addressing root causes, not just military statistics. 🇮🇳
Interesting how the US is the "mediator" but also the one recognizing Israel's security zone. That's not mediation, that's endorsement. Reminds me of how global powers pick sides while smaller nations suffer. Lebanon deserves genuine sovereignty, not a framework that legitimizes occupation.
As an Indian, I feel conflicted. We have strong ties with Israel, but this agreement seems to embolden Netanyahu's hardline stance. The pilot program to "dismantle Hezbollah" sounds like a recipe for more conflict, not peace. Let's see if this actually holds or becomes another broken deal.
Netanyahu says this "weakens Iran and Hezbollah" like that's a universal good. For India, Iran is a key energy partner and we've always advocated for diplomatic solutions. This deal seems to escalate tension in West Asia, which affects our energy security and diaspora there. Not impressed. 😕
From a Western perspective, this looks like a win for stability. But having followed Middle East politics, I'm skeptical. The "90% of missiles destroyed" claim is classic Netanyahu spin. Real peace requires both sides feeling secure, not just one side dictating terms. India's Kashmir experience shows military solutions don't bring lasting peace.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.