In a sudden turn of events, Israeli military forces launched an attack on southern Lebanon this Saturday, merely a day after Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement in Washington aimed at establishing long-lasting peace, as reported by EFE.
The Saturday bombardment resulted in at least 47 fatalities and 97 injuries in Lebanon, according to the country's Ministry of Health. This incident marks a significant setback in the fragile diplomatic efforts spearheaded by Washington.
The agreement, signed on Friday by the ambassadors—Yechiel Leiter for Israel and Nada Hamadeh for Lebanon—was witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who hailed it as a "first step toward peace." Lebanese President Joseph Aoun referred to it as "the beginning of the beginning."
Outlined by the U.S. Department of State, the pact envisions a "reciprocal and gradual" process, where the Lebanese Army would regain effective control over its territory, contingent upon the verified disarmament of Hezbollah.
Initially, Israel's withdrawal is to be restricted to two "pilot zones" in the southern region, located outside the boundaries of the so-called "buffer zone" established by Israel in April.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the agreement in a video statement but stressed that Israeli forces would remain indefinitely in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms, a stance that contradicts the recently signed pact's intent.
Hezbollah's response was one of outright rejection. The group's Secretary General, Naim Qasem, denounced the agreement as null and void, accusing the Lebanese government of betraying its people.
"Linking the Israeli withdrawal to Hezbollah's disarmament is a dangerous proposition that crosses all red lines and turns Lebanon into a puppet of the Israeli enemy," Qasem asserted.
The militia leader labeled the agreement as "humiliating, disgraceful, and a surrender of sovereignty," adding that the negotiations initiated by Beirut with Tel Aviv on March 2 represented a "free concession" and a "stab in the back" to those resisting Israel.
Hezbollah insists on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed on June 17 between the United States and Iran, which suggests the possibility of a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, unlike the Friday framework, which ties it to the group's disarmament.
The agreement reached on Friday is the culmination of five rounds of negotiations mediated by Washington since March 2026, following the escalation of the current conflict after Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel. Since then, Israeli offensives have resulted in over 3,700 deaths in Lebanon and the destruction of approximately 36,000 homes in the southern part of the country.
The agreement also establishes a trilateral military coordination group involving the United States, Israel, and Lebanon. Additionally, it commits Washington to providing $100 million in humanitarian aid, with $30 million allocated to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Lebanese armed forces.
Impact of Israeli Attacks on Lebanon
What was the immediate outcome of the Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon?
The attacks resulted in at least 47 deaths and 97 injuries, according to Lebanon's Ministry of Health.
How did Hezbollah respond to the peace agreement?
Hezbollah rejected the agreement outright, declaring it null and void, and accused the Lebanese government of betrayal.
What does the peace agreement entail regarding Israeli withdrawal?
The agreement outlines a conditional withdrawal of Israeli forces, limited initially to two pilot zones, and depends on Hezbollah's disarmament.