U.S.-backed trilateral framework between Lebanon and Israel signed in Washington

Secretary Rubio announced a U.S.-mediated trilateral framework agreement between the sovereign Governments of Lebanon and Israel and said delegations signed the document at a State Department event in Washington, D.C.

"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," Secretary Rubio said, calling the accord a "first step" toward "lasting peace and security." He said the agreement begins a difficult process to restore prosperity and coexistence for people in both countries.

Ambassador Hamadeh, speaking for Lebanon, thanked U.S. hosts and said the "trilateral framework we sign today is a first step on the road to restoring Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, securing a permanent and final cessation of hostilities, enabling our people to go back to their land, and allowing all Lebanese to live in peace, security, and prosperity." He credited Lebanon’s leadership and the Lebanese Armed Forces for their role in the talks.

Ambassador Leiter, speaking for Israel, described the accord as a "performance-based trilateral framework agreement," and said, "Iran is out, Hizballah is out, and the road to peace between Israel and Lebanon is in." Leiter thanked U.S. and Israeli personnel who negotiated the deal and praised the Israel Defense Forces for their efforts.

Rubio acknowledged State Department staff and U.S. diplomats, singling out Counselor Dan Holler and the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, and said he was "very proud" of the department’s diplomatic work. He cautioned that "there is a lot of work ahead" and described the signing as "the beginning of the beginning." The framework was signed and the event ended with applause.

Officials did not provide implementation timelines, specific security mechanisms or enforcement provisions in these remarks. The signing was presented by participants as a formal first step; further details on next steps and operational arrangements were not specified during the event.