Israel, Lebanon and US sign agreement that opens 'path to lasting peace'

Trump raises the tone and demands Israel's responsibility in Lebanon
Israel, Lebanon and the United States signed an agreement that establishes the basis for future negotiations in Washington this Friday (26). The content of the text was not revealed, but it aims to pave the way for "lasting peace and security", according to the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
"We are pleased to announce a framework agreement between the sovereign government of Lebanon and the government of Israel, with the mediation and support of the United States", declared the head of US diplomacy shortly before the signing.
According to Rubio, the treaty establishes "a basis for lasting peace and security."
Under mediation from the United States, Lebanon and Israel began direct negotiations in Washington in mid-April, the first such talks between the two countries in several decades.
Shortly after the announcement, the Israeli prime minister once again stated that Israeli troops will remain in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah gives up its weapons.
"The most important thing of all is that Israel remains in the security zone in southern Lebanon. This is an important achievement, and we will maintain it until Hezbollah is disarmed," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a pre-recorded video released to the Israeli press.
However, the Israeli army will allow the Lebanese Armed Forces to take control of "two pilot zones", one south of the Litani River and the other north of it. The river is approximately thirty kilometers from the border with Israel.
Hezbollah members killed The Israeli army reported this Friday that it had killed seven members of the pro-Iran Shiite group who, according to the military, were transporting weapons near the area occupied by Israel in southern Lebanon.
Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have decreased significantly since the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran in mid-June.
According to authorities, Tehran had demanded the inclusion of a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon as part of the agreement.
Despite the reduction in clashes, Netanyahu declared that the Army maintains "complete freedom of action" against any threat in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have established a "security zone" that they continue to occupy.
"The terrorists transported these weapons to a structure in the al-Manzala area, which was being used as a combat and observation post" to attack soldiers Israelis, said a statement from the Israeli Army.
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Source: G1