According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, it is a first step toward peace in the form of a "framework agreement".
"It's the beginning of the beginning. A lot of work remains," Rubio said at a signing ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Friday, Al Jazeera reported.
Direct talks between the countries began in April, mediated by the United States. Yechiel Leiter, Israel's ambassador to the United States, and Nada Hamadeh, Lebanon's ambassador to the United States, signed the agreement.
Remaining along the border
According to Israeli media reports, Israeli forces will withdraw from parts of southern Lebanon and be replaced by Lebanese forces in two areas. According to the agreement, Lebanon has also committed to countering Iran's influence in the country, which Iran exerts through the Shiite militia Hezbollah.
"Most importantly, first and foremost, Israel remains in the security zone in southern Lebanon. This is a great achievement, and we will remain as long as Hezbollah is not disarmed," Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement.
Hassan Fadlallah, a political representative for the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement and a member of Lebanon's parliament, dismissed the agreement. He said the Lebanese government would not succeed in pushing through the deal "without, with American support, moving towards civil war," AFP writes.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the goal of the agreement is “Israel's withdrawal from all Lebanese territory,” the restoration of the sovereignty of the Lebanese state, the return of displaced Lebanese to their homes, and the reconstruction of the country.
Ceasefire violation
The Israeli military launched an offensive against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon in early March, as a result of Hezbollah attacking Israel in response to the Iran war.
A formal ceasefire has been in place between Israel and Lebanon since mid-April. Last week, Israel and Hezbollah also agreed to a ceasefire. Hezbollah has not participated in the talks in Washington.
Despite these agreements, Israel's attacks on targets in Lebanon have continued, while Hezbollah in turn has attacked Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
Even in the past week, Hezbollah has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire.
