Israel and Lebanon Sign Framework Agreement on Future Peace in Washington

The document provides for recognition of both sides’ right “to live in peace,” as well as the restoration of the Lebanese army’s control over the country’s entire territory after the disarmament of “non-state armed groups.” Judging by the wording, this primarily refers to Hezbollah.

Hezbollah itself has already said it will not comply with these arrangements, since it did not take part in preparing them.

“Israel has no choice but to fully withdraw its troops from Lebanon and stop incursions into its land, sea and airspace,” Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said.

After the agreement was signed, supporters of the group took to the streets in Beirut, calling the document a “surrender deal.” They blocked roads, including routes to the airport. Lebanese security forces used tear gas.

The withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon was one of Iran’s conditions in negotiations with the United States. It is clear, however, that Tehran would like to preserve Hezbollah as the dominant armed force in southern Lebanon and in the country as a whole.

In this context, it cannot be ruled out that Iran’s recent new attacks on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz were a response to an attempt to push Hezbollah away from the arrangements on Lebanon. And possibly not the last one.