Peace at last? Israel-Lebabon ceasefire brokered by US

The United States has brokered a landmark trilateral framework agreement with Israel and Lebanon, marking what Washington describes as the first major step toward ending decades of hostilities along Israel's northern frontier. The agreement seeks to restore Lebanon's sovereignty, pave the way for the disarmament of Hezbollah, and establish a long-term security mechanism between the neighbouring countries.

The framework was signed in Washington on Friday with the United States acting as mediator. Speaking at the signing ceremony, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the accord "the beginning of the beginning" of a broader peace process, while acknowledging that implementing the agreement would be a complex and lengthy task.

Under the framework, Lebanon has committed to restoring full state authority across its territory by dismantling Hezbollah's military infrastructure and eliminating armed groups operating outside government control. In return, Israel is expected to withdraw its forces back to its recognised borders once security threats from Lebanese territory are neutralised.

To oversee implementation, the three sides have agreed to establish a Military Coordination Group for Lebanon (MCG4L), a US-facilitated mechanism designed to coordinate security measures, monitor progress and help both countries fulfil their commitments.

Rubio said the agreement offers both nations an opportunity to achieve lasting peace and security after years of cross-border violence. He noted that Lebanon has suffered for decades due to external interference, while residents of northern Israel have repeatedly faced attacks launched from Lebanese territory.

"The people of Lebanon deserve a peaceful and prosperous country, while the people of Israel—particularly those living in the north—deserve to live without the constant threat of terrorist attacks," Rubio said.

Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad described the agreement as a crucial first step toward restoring Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. She said it also aims to secure a permanent cessation of hostilities, facilitate the return of displaced residents to their homes and create conditions for lasting peace and stability across the country.

Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter hailed the framework as a major shift in the regional security landscape, saying the agreement removes Iran and Hezbollah from the equation while opening a pathway toward peace between Israel and Lebanon.

As part of Washington's commitment to the process, the US State Department announced an immediate humanitarian assistance package worth 100 million dollars, to be delivered in coordination with the United Nations. The department also said the US Department of War is prepared to reimburse the Lebanese Armed Forces with more than 30 million dollars under existing authorities to strengthen Lebanon's ability to exercise sovereignty throughout its territory.

US officials emphasised that while the framework does not immediately resolve all disputes, it establishes a structured roadmap for security cooperation, Hezbollah's disarmament and the restoration of stability along one of the Middle East's most volatile borders.