The United States, Israel, and Lebanon have signed a Trilateral Framework, as the Trump Administration advances its concerted effort to bring lasting peace and stability to the region.
The U.S. said Israel and Lebanon were dragged into a decades-long war by terrorist militias and proxies that have undermined Lebanon’s sovereignty, attacked Israel, and caused chaos across the Middle East.
Secretary of State Marc Rubio, in a statement, commended the “bold decision” of the Governments of Israel and Lebanon to agree to a blueprint that builds a realistic path out of endless conflict.
The pact establishes a framed process to restore Lebanon’s sovereignty, disarm Hezbollah and dismantle its infrastructure, and enable Israel to return to its borders once the threat to its citizens is removed.
The agreement also creates a trilateral Military Coordination Group for Lebanon (MCG4L), facilitated by the United States, allowing the two sides to implement the framework.
Rubio assured that the American government will remain fully engaged and commit resources, including an immediate $100 million in humanitarian assistance in coordination with the U.N.
Washington also reaffirmed its intent to improve the capability and capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to more effectively establish sovereignty throughout Lebanese territory.
Under this guarantee, the U.S. will reimburse the LAF with over $30 million under existing authorities and appropriations to support President Joseph Aoun’s vision for an enduring peace.
The trilateral framework was signed by Nada Hamadeh Moawad, Lebanese Ambassador to the U.S, and Yechiel Leiter, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S.
“It’s the beginning of the beginning. There is a lot of work ahead,” Secretary Rubio admitted in his remarks during the signing ceremony.
“We don’t underestimate the difficulty of the task ahead,” he said. “But we understand the importance of it, and we are honored to have played a part in bringing this together.”
The European Union on Saturday noted that the signed framework “offers a much-needed positive perspective in the efforts towards de-escalation and peace.”
The EU said any lasting solution must be based on the UNSC Resolution 1701, and called for the withdrawal of all forces from the Lebanese territory and the disarmament of non-state armed groups.
