Israel, Lebanon and the U.S. sign framework agreement on security and peace talks

What does the new agreement do?

It sets out a framework for further negotiations between Israel and Lebanon and includes an initial mechanism to test an Israeli withdrawal from two pilot areas in southern Lebanon, where the Lebanese Armed Forces would gradually take over control NYT,infobae,T-online.de.

Was Hezbollah part of the deal?

No. Multiple reports say Hezbollah did not take part in the Washington talks or the signing, and its leaders have publicly rejected disarmament while demanding a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon BBC,infobae,infobae.

Why is the agreement still uncertain?

Important details of the framework have not been made public, violence has continued despite earlier ceasefires, and Netanyahu has said Israel will stay in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms, leaving the timeline and scope of any withdrawal unsettled BBC,infobae,NDTV.