Washington, U.S. – In a firm American stance, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that the framework agreement being developed between Lebanon and Israel represents a cornerstone for a broader process aimed at reshaping the security landscape in Southern Lebanon. Rubio emphasized that the agreement lays out a clear, organized roadmap essentially targeting the restoration of Lebanese state sovereignty, the disarmament of Hezbollah, and the dismantling of its military infrastructure, all within the framework of new U.S.-sponsored security arrangements.
Restoring Lebanese State Sovereignty as a Priority
The U.S. Secretary of State explained that the agreement is not limited to the military dimension but establishes a rigorous organizational mechanism to strengthen the Lebanese state’s authority over its entire territory. Rubio confirmed that this mechanism includes practical steps to end the existence of any weapons outside the official state institutions, expressing Washington’s full support for empowering the Lebanese Army to exclusively assert control over border areas, which is considered a prerequisite for ensuring lasting stability and preventing the return of security chaos.
Guaranteeing Israeli Security and Halting Threats
Regarding the Israeli security aspect, Rubio indicated that the main objective of the agreement is to create a stable security environment that allows Israel to return to its borders naturally, once it is confirmed that the threats facing its citizens in the north have been eliminated. The Secretary emphasized that the security arrangements included in the agreement have been carefully designed to prevent the recurrence of clashes and ensure that the Lebanese border does not once again become a launch point for future attacks, thereby fostering confidence in long-term de-escalation.
U.S. Commitment to Overseeing Implementation
Marco Rubio stressed that the United States is not merely a mediator but a committed partner in supporting the implementation of the framework agreement and overseeing its various stages on the ground. He expressed optimism that the success of this agreement would represent a strategic shift toward strengthening regional security in the Middle East, opening the door to a new phase of political and security de-escalation between Lebanon and Israel, moving past the conflicts of the past.
